The January Edit
On my first day back to work after the New Year, I noticed lots of people out walking in our neighborhood (with cutie pie pups). The weather was beautiful after a freezing Christmas weekend so I commend them. A couple of weeks in, it seems like everyone has already lost stamina.
New Year’s Resolutions tend to be these big, lofty goals. They’re also always some version of the same thing — drink more water, save money, move your body more, get organized, etc. This year I’ve picked the word consistency. I like a theme to guide my year more than a neverending list of goals I’ll never stick to. If you’re setting resolutions for 2023, I’m encouraging you to start small. Use January as your trial month and consider reading Atomic Habits by James Clear.
Loving Lately
Here are a few things I’ve been loving lately.
Shop: When my daughter was born I ordered a skinny name ring (gold, font 31) from Caitlyn Minimalist. Since then I added a ring for my son, a ring with my husband’s initials, and most recently a gold + diamond band. I also gifted a few rings to my younger sister this holiday season. I have my eye on a few new pieces like this zodiac ring and anklet.
Read: Last week I finished The Glass Hotel by Emily St. John Mandel. I’ll post a full review later on when I do my January 2023 reading recap but let’s just say she’s probably the only author that can completely immerse you in a story about a Ponzi scheme.
I started Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune on audiobook from the library and Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson for my indie bookstore’s book club this week. I’m loving both!
Watch: My husband and I finished watching Season 3 of Sex Education and Episode 7 absolutely wrecked me. Major content warnings for birth trauma. All of the characters have shown tremendous growth over this season. I think Adam and Michael’s storylines were my favorite. If you’ve watched it, let me know your thoughts!
Next up we’re watching Derry Girls Season 3. It’s a hilarious show about a Catholic girls’ school during the Northern Ireland Troubles in the 90s. I’m sad this is the last season and soaking it all in!
I asked my Facebook friends what the best movie they watched in 2022 was and had so many recommendations for Top Gun Maverick and the new Avatar movie. I rarely carve out 2+ hours to watch a movie at home and I haven’t been to a theater in almost 5 years. I think I’m overdue for a date night to check out something new (with a big bag of delicious, buttery popcorn)!
Wear: I’m not interested in wearing real pants to work anymore. If you have any suggestions for pants with a stretchy waistband that look professional enough for an office casual dress code, please share! I’ve been wearing these slacks from Costco but I’m ready for something less form-fitting. And yes, you read that right. Other than my Fabletics subscription, my whole adult wardrobe comes from the same place I buy my groceries. What a time to be a Millennial!
Homey Bits: I would love to paint some rooms in our house this year, especially our kitchen. I really like Evergreen Fog from Sherwin Williams and this design from Natalie Paquin is my inspiration.
Eat: In the past few weeks I’ve received lots of hugs and thumbs up from my preschooler for some very basic meals (e.g. tacos and yellow rice, pot pie, and Ramen noodles). This recipe was a surprise hit. I subbed zoodles for carrots. I love a good curry because it’s perfect for clearing out the fridge.
Last year I had the idea to cook a new recipe each week based on the Cheesecake Factory menu and I never followed through with it. Sort of a Julie & Julia project but winging it. I’m starting the year off with this copycat spicy cashew chicken recipe.
Listen: I discovered the song Stockholmsvy by Hannes ft. waterbaby and I think it has the perfect winter feel. Listen to more from Hannes if you like Leon Bridges, Jose Gonzales, James Blake, or Michael Kiwanuka.
I’m planning to share more of our record collection in the coming year on Instagram. If you’re into record collecting, reply to this email and let me know if you’d be interested in a few favorite lists on Substack too. Two recent additions I love are Death Cab for Cutie’s new album Asphalt Meadows, and We Have the Facts and We’re Voting Yes. We might not be going to see them in concert but we can still enjoy their tunes on a slow Sunday morning at home.
Make: I shared on Instagram that I finally made the viral book ornament. I used The Bookcase Beauty’s directions. Next year I may just print the books double-sided on paper and laminate them. I know the point of the foam is to make it look like a real book but it was a little messy. I like the overall look and I’m excited to have this ornament to look back on for years to come. If you’re thinking about making an ornament, just do it! I started and finished the whole project during nap time.
That’s it from me. For now, here’s a quick poll.