November Photo Challenge
#SimplyGratefulTogether

In November we co-hosted a month-long photo challenge with our sister magazines @motherearthnewsmag, @grit1882 and @heirloomgardenermag on Instagram. During the month of November, our editors shared and re-posted photos every day of things they’re grateful for, including stocked winter pantries, happy houseplants, homemade treasures, and more. We were overwhelmed with the response we received and loved seeing all the photos. Below are some of our favorites.

November 1: A cozy spot

A cozy place…For me it’s my morning coffee spot. I sip over my planner, and my Commonplace book, while my daughter practices piano, then we gather with Mr. Garner for Daily Office and Morning Prayer. #simplygratefultogether #naturebowl #mantledecor #anglicanlife #dailyoffice #morningprayer #charlottemasonlifestyle

A post shared by Garner Goings On (@garnergoingson) on Nov 1, 2017 at 5:27am PDT

November 2: Handmade item

Day 2: Handmade item. Editor Caitlin Wilson made (and here, models) her own #knittedshawl. Tag your own #handmadeitems with #simplygratefultogether for our November photo challenge and you may end up in the magazine! @heirloomgardenermag @motherearthliving @grit1882 #photochallenge #knittersofinstagram #handmadeshawl

A post shared by Mother Earth News (@motherearthnewsmag) on Nov 2, 2017 at 7:15am PDT

November 3: Winter pantry

Sorting through and giving love to all of my botanicals one final time before I leave for India in three days, as I won’t be taking any of these with me. My medicine cabinet for the winter is ready upon arrival home next month. Other than some immune boosting herbal supplements and essential oils, I’ll be taking a light break from my herbals as my approach to doing the inner work will be a bit different in India. A lot of these I’ve gotten from @mountainroseherbs and @frontiercoop, while a lot of these have also come from dear friends, wild harvests, and local farms from South Florida all the way to New York. I give an extra special thank you to the friends who know me well enough to gift me botanicals and herbals! I look so forward to blending these up, making medicine, and hosting tea ceremonies in the years to come. Join me if you will and stay tuned ?

A post shared by Samantha??????????????? (@iam.samcat) on Nov 3, 2017 at 12:13pm PDT

November 4: Comfort food

Comfort Food – Day 4 | Potatoes… mashed, stuffed with cheese and bacon, fried, tossed with copious amounts of butter, and shallots, and dill, and garlic. It doesn’t get any better or more comforting! . My potato game is strong you guys. So strong that my family actually refers to these as “Crystal Potatoes.” Toot. <– me, tooting my own horn. . To make perfect roasted potatoes that are crispy on the outside and pillowy on the inside: 1. use a russet-type potato 2. cut into cubes, toss with a generous amount of oil (avocado or lard) and salt 3. bake 425F for at least an hour, no need to stir 4. while hot on the pan, sprinkle with a mixture of garlic powder, onion powder, and dried parsley . They are so good! #simplygratefultogether #homestead #potatoesarelife

A post shared by ????Crystal – Homesteader (@wholefedhomestead) on Nov 4, 2017 at 8:06am PDT

November 5: Houseplants

We love growing all kinds of things here, and I have a collection of #houseplants. The most interesting are my carnivorous ones, a Venus fly trap and a pitcher plant. They provide organic insect control in the kitchen all summer, but soon I’ll be taking them to a sunny but cool window in the library upstairs for the rest season they need over the winter. #pleasantvalleyfarm #pleasantvalleyfarmpa #farm #organicfarm #simplygratefultogether #photochallange #carniverousplants #venusflytrap #pitcherplant

A post shared by Emily Stevenson (@pleasantvalleyfarm) on Nov 5, 2017 at 2:03pm PST

November 6: Fall smells

Nursing a nice hot mug of my autumn herbal coffee blend. Filled with warming herbs such as cinnamon, ginger and peppercorns, this morning brew creates quite the delicious fall aroma. #lulalinden

A post shared by Lisa Miller (@lula.linden) on Nov 6, 2017 at 9:17am PST

November 7: Home remedies

This summer we found a patch of elderberries around an alpine lake we hiked into. We gathered them and then cooked up a beautiful batch of Elderberry Syrup using honey from our farm and some lovely spices. When there’s even a slight sniffle in our house, we are cracking open this jar of healthiness! #simplygratefultogether #homeremedies #allnatural #homemadeisbest

A post shared by Turner Farms 406 (@turnerfarms406) on Nov 7, 2017 at 8:14am PST

November 8: In my cup

Day 8: in my cup. Coffee! Pour over fireside nights which is a 3 bean blend roasted in town @groundsforthought_bg . Made up of Ethiopia sidamo, Brazilian, and Guatemala FR beans. Then I add some @califiafarms unsweetened almond milk to cool it down and make it creamy! Best way to wake up on cold days! Reading Harry Potter and snuggling my beautiful kitty isn’t bad either! #simplygratefultogether#coffee#catmom#bookworm#harrypotter @motherearthnewsmag @motherearthliving

A post shared by @cthompson527 on Nov 8, 2017 at 6:04am PST

November 9: View from my window

Day 9 #simplygratefultogether View from my (Barn) Window: #spiderwebs #oldbottles #sheep @motherearthnewsmag @grit1882 #viewfrommywindow

A post shared by Heather B. (@heather.b.oregon) on Nov 9, 2017 at 9:18am PST

November 10: Bundled up

Editor-in-chief Caleb Regan’s boys, Sawyer and Jack, bundled up at the office! #simplygratefultogether #twins #boyslife #mommasboys #futurehunters

A post shared by Grit Magazine (@grit1882) on Nov 10, 2017 at 9:59am PST

November 11: Symbol of love

Day 11: Symbol of love ?? Please join our #novemberphotochallenge and post your #symboloflove with the hashtag #simplygratefultogether @motherearthliving @grit1882 @heirloomgardenermag #lovetree #nature #walkinthewoods #sistermagazine

A post shared by Mother Earth News (@motherearthnewsmag) on Nov 11, 2017 at 7:39am PST

November 12: Healthy choice

Day 12, {a h e a l t h y c h o i c e} All my green goodness laid out, ready for juicing! #simplygratefultogether #ahealthychoice #greenjuice #veggies #bottomsup

A post shared by ? Hope ? (@digthegoodlife) on Nov 12, 2017 at 6:52am PST

November 13: Herbs and spices

Day 13: Herbs and Spices ~ I’m a little late to the party, but I thought better late than never so here is my day 13 of the #simplygratefultogether photo challenge.

A post shared by The Brick House Homestead (@thebrickhousehomestead) on Nov 13, 2017 at 6:17pm PST

November 14: The sky

Day14 ,The sky #viewfrommyporch #novemberphotochallenge #thesky #simplygratefultogether @motherearthnewsmag @motherearthliving @grit1882 #hisglory

A post shared by georgia madison (@mamma_bear_homestead) on Nov 14, 2017 at 11:00am PST

November 15: Gardens

Today’s #simplygratefultogether prompt is gardens. There are few things more beautiful than a garden in bloom and someone to share it with. What beauty do you find in your garden? . . . . . We’re co-hosting this photo challenge with our close friends at @motherearthnewsmag, @grit1882 and @Motherearthliving. #gardens#gardening #gardensofinstagram #kansas#rurallife #organiclife #motherearthliving #instagood #photooftheday #Beautiful #flowers #happy

A post shared by Heirloom Gardener Magazine (@heirloomgardenermag) on Nov 15, 2017 at 9:33am PST

November 16: Indulgence

Indulgence – Day 16 | Salted Honey Caramels!! These are pretty much my favorite thing. #simplygratefultogether #madewithhoney #homemade

A post shared by ????Crystal – Homesteader (@wholefedhomestead) on Nov 16, 2017 at 3:17pm PST

November 17: Memento of spring

Memento of Spring // ? My sweet boy and I planted carrots together earlier this year… and by “planted” I mean we tossed 3 packets of carrot seeds together and let him THROW them at the soil in our raised bed. ??? He absolutely loved it. ? And now we have carrots!!! ??? #simplygratefultogether

A post shared by Sigourney | Sig | Siggy ? (@sigcastelgrows) on Nov 17, 2017 at 6:29am PST

November 18: Barns and potting sheds

Barns on the backroads of Osage County, Kansas. ? #barns #backroads #kansas #simplygratefultogether #sunsets

A post shared by Grit Magazine (@grit1882) on Nov 18, 2017 at 10:44am PST

November 19: Baking

Day 19: baking! It’s chocolate and cherry cake day! I think my frosting and piping skills are getting better.

A post shared by Abby (@brownies_n_beer) on Nov 19, 2017 at 2:38pm PST

November 20: Locally made

Day 20: Locally made. A pair of mugs, created by a local ceramic artist, serve as temporary homes for two young spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum). Show us and our sister magazines your favorite#locallymade items by tagging your photos#simplygratefultogether. Our#novemberphotochallenge is co-hosted with @motherearthliving @grit1882 @motherearthnewsmag #sistermagazine

A post shared by Heirloom Gardener Magazine (@heirloomgardenermag) on Nov 20, 2017 at 6:38pm PST

November 21: Your workspace

Day 21- Your Workspace. For ten years my workspace was a cubicle, now I luckily get to call my home my workspace. And on really lucky days I get to call this farm table my workspace for cutting fabric, crafting, painting, or blogging. (Love this table, gifted from my aunt @neceeydee?) #simplygratefultogether

A post shared by Proper Mountain Woman | Blog (@propermountainwoman) on Nov 21, 2017 at 11:32am PST

November 22: Seasonal ingredients

#day22 #seasonalingredient #sweetpotatoes #simplygratefultogether @motherearthnewsmag @motherearthliving

A post shared by Rowan Tree Farm LLC (@rowantreefarmllc) on Nov 22, 2017 at 2:50pm PST

November 23: Table setting

Day 23 – Table Setting. . . . #simplygratefultogether #photochallenge #november #thanksgiving #fall #autumn #tablesetting #thanksgivingfood #thanksgivingplate #grateful #thankful

A post shared by Mindy Waters ? The Waterstead (@thewaterstead) on Nov 23, 2017 at 10:11pm PST

November 24: Nature

Nature #day24 #simplygratefultogether #rosarugosa #frosty #vermont @motherearthnewsmag @motherearthliving

A post shared by Rowan Tree Farm LLC (@rowantreefarmllc) on Nov 24, 2017 at 6:53pm PST

November 25: A family heirloom

Day 25: A family heirloom. “These seeds are very special to me. My grandma Jan used to grow four o’clocks (Mirabilis jalapa) outside of her home. I loved plucking the seeds out of their individual nests until I had a nice collection of them resting in my little palm. I would look at them and admire their shape, color, and texture…their uniformity but uniqueness. My grandma taught me about the beauty intrinsic in all life (whether it were a tree, a snake, a spider making its web, or a tiny seed). She passed away while I was still very young, and seeds from her ?four o’clock? plants were planted in the garden beside the front door of my parents’ house. Because my dad was in the military, we moved quite often, and eventually the seeds and the plants were lost. While digging through my parents’ collection of seeds a few months ago, I came across these nine little seeds rattling around in the bottom of the box…four o’clock seeds from ?the descendants? of my grandma’s plants. I’ll plant these seeds come spring in the hopes that they grow into something beautiful, just like how my grandma planted seeds in me that grew into compassion, love, and an appreciation for finding beauty in unlikely places.” – Russell Mullin. Share your #familyheirloom photos with us by using the hashtag #simplygratefultogether. We’re cohosting this photo challenge with our good friends at @motherearthnewsmag, @grit1882 and @motherearthliving

A post shared by Heirloom Gardener Magazine (@heirloomgardenermag) on Nov 25, 2017 at 3:39pm PST

November 26: Trusted tool

Day 26 of #simplygratefultogether: favorite tool I love this push tiller (?)…..I use it daily in my garden to weed between rows and to loosen/level soil before sowing. photochallenge #photoaday #novemberphotochallenge @heirloomgardenermag @grit1882 @motherearthliving @motherearthnewsmag #vintagegardentools #oldfashionedliving

A post shared by Bri ?? (@sleepycreekfarmwife) on Nov 26, 2017 at 2:15pm PST

November 27: Root vegetables

Root Vegetables – Day 27 | I’m craving routine and lots of veggies today after a whirlwind long weekend of traveling, spending time with family, and eating lots of pie! Today I’ll be getting the house back in order, lugging out the Christmas decorations, and making an easy veggie-filled dinner… something with grass-fed hamburger, a big salad, and these garlic and herb fingerling potatoes. And then tonight we’re going to put up the massive Christmas tree I brought home! #noplacelikehome #spuds #austriancrescent #simplygratefultogether

A post shared by ????Crystal – Homesteader (@wholefedhomestead) on Nov 27, 2017 at 7:39am PST

November 28: Community involvement

Day 28 #communityinvolvement. Many hands make light work during a community tree-planting event in Lawrence, Kansas. To participate in our #novemberphotochallenge,share a photo of community involvement today with the hashtag #simplygratefultogether! We’re enjoying our time cohosting this challenge with our dear friends @motherearthnewsmag, @grit1882 and @motherearthliving

A post shared by Heirloom Gardener Magazine (@heirloomgardenermag) on Nov 28, 2017 at 1:37pm PST

November 29: House goals

Day 29 of #simplygratefultogether: #housegoals We have big goals (dreams) with this one! We want a small cabin in the woods, heated with a wood stove on a lake/river/pond. With just enough land to grow a big garden and raise our animals. Our dream home will be a cozy little hippie shack, far away from corn/bean fields……and completely debt free?? #photoaday #novemberphotochallenge @heirloomgardenermag @grit1882 @motherearthliving @motherearthnewsmag #dreamlife #gettingbacktonature #cabinliving #goals #takemetotheforest

A post shared by Bri ?? (@sleepycreekfarmwife) on Nov 29, 2017 at 5:13am PST

November 30: Favorite hobby

Favorite Hobby – Day 30 | I think homesteading is my hobby. It’s more than that too though… kind of like a way of life or a mindset I suppose. But still, most of the “things I like to do for fun” fall under the umbrella of being a homesteader- like growing things, harvesting, preserving; cooking from scratch; making things like soap, candles, ornaments; and of course: hanging out with chickens! #homestead #simplygratefultogether #bufforpington

A post shared by ????Crystal – Homesteader (@wholefedhomestead) on Nov 30, 2017 at 5:09pm PST