notes on january
favorites, what i've been up to, & what's coming up
January was a lot and not much at all at the same time.
It felt like I never stopped doing things but not in a way that was overwhelming. I didn’t start out my new year head first into goal and resolutions — to be honest, it was the least amount of though I’ve ever put into my new year before it started. It felt right this year though. Like this was the year to take a month to breath and let life happen before trying to dicatate it.
These posts always feel like a very real and honest peak into my life. Often what I post is thought out and curated, focused on one topic. These are more like a diary entry. Rambling and sharing bits of my life that are often not seen. So with a very busy month, here everything from the month.
reading & watching:
Anatomy of An Alibi (Book)
I chose this book by the cover (and title) if I am being honest. BUT I am not at all disappointed. I enjoyed this book a lot. It’s a thriller following “Two Women. One Dead Husband. And only one Alibi” and it no doubt keeps you on your toes. This fast-paced book was a great read to start out my month.
People We Meet On Vacation (Book)
I’m still working on this but I am really enjoying all the little details in it that the moive didn’t include. In a way, it feels like the characters in the movie had inside jokes you didn’t understand unless you had read the book.
People We Meet On Vacation (Movie)
It felt like an old 90s/00s romcom and I’m here for it. I thought the actors were wonderful in this and it had me kicking my feet. I had to force myself not to check the end of the movie.
Red City (Book)
This has me HOOKED and from the very first chapter. I just started it but I am already tearing my way through it. It seems like there is going to be so much room for twists and build up!
recommending:
Rhome
As someone looking to kick my doomscrolling habits, I have been absolutely loving Rhome this month. I have found so many interesting articles, videos, books, and more that have really fueled my efforts to learn more and exercise my brain this year. It is a great way to get to know people on a better level than average social media since it gives you insight into what they find interesting. If there is one thing about me, it is that I find knowing someone and what they like such an intimate thing in a world of highlight reels and performance.
Morning Pages
I started the Artist’s Way this month! The morning pages have been so liberating and have undeniably cleared my mind of many things. My hands cramped up at first but now I am easily writing all three pages.
J.Crew Ribbed Turtleneck Sweater
This has been my absolute favorite sweater this month. It is comfy and warm, and I haven’t found it to be itchy. I love to dress it up for a dinner date, or casually to keep warm.
Prequel Gleanser
I may have the most sensitive skin, and most things from products to fragrances irritate my skin to leave it burning and red. But this cleanser it so gentle and feels amazing on my skin. It may be my new favorite after giving it a chance on a whim this month. I’ve also put my sister onto it who loves it as well. You can also find all of my sensitive skin favorites here.
🍽️eats:
This month was filled with so many good eats including picks from the japanese market, the fluffiest house-made foccacia & pasta, syrniki, and much more.
syrniki
A childhood favorite of mine, and now one of our favorite weekend breakfasts. It is super easy to make, semi-healthy, and keep you full. While I don’t measure, here is the base recipe:
- ~ 1 cup or 240g farmer’s cheese (or strained cottage cheese)
- 1 egg
- 1-3 spoon fulls of sugar (adjust to taste)
- dash of vanilla
- 3 heaping spoonfuls flour
Add the cheese and mash with fork to get rid of big clumps. Add egg and sugar, mix well. Add flour and mix until you have a thick, slightly sticky dough (you may need more four).
To prepare the cakes, scoop out a spoonful and shape into a ball. Roll in flour, then flatten. Shake off excesss flour and set aside until ready to cook. Repeat with all dough.
In a skillet, heat oil or butter (I use avocado) on medium low heat. Once hot, add cakes without crowding (may need to do in batches), and cook ~4 minutes, then flip and cook another 4. They should be golden on each side but soft in middle.
Top with sour cream and fruit preserves, syrup, jam, honey, berries, or any other of your favorites.
january activities
snow storm fern
I have not seen this much snow in one day since childhood. In the matter of 24 hours, we accumulated 16 inches (40.5 cm) of snow. The roads were shut down because there was too much snow to clear in one pass, and too cold for salt to work. I did get an extra day with my man though (we’re long distance) so it had its wins. It was also a great day to relax without guilt as someone who can never sit still.
hockey!
Each January we go to watch an annual hockey tournament over a long weekend. Some family is one of the coaches, and over the years we’ve gotten close with the rest of the coaching staff. It becomes a fun little getaway and a weekend too catch up with the friends we have in that area too. Also was lucky to get invited to the NHL game at the beginning of the month for a special experience at the game, which is always a blast. I’m grateful for any chance I have to watch one of my favorite sports live.
swimming again
I have not swam since my competitive “career” came to an end, but I picked it back up this month. I forgot how much I loved it, and it is even better now that I can go as slow as I want. Right now I am using it as cross training for running as relief from some of the pounding on my hips and knees.
getting crafty
This year is for loving the your inner child. I am allowing myself to enjoy creative pursuits a little more this year. This month the Louise Carmen journals had me in a chokehold, but I could not justify the price right — so I made one and I love it! It feels so personal, and extra special that I made it (which makes me more inclined to use it). I also painted the print for my mail club this month! By no means am I a pro artist, but I am very pleased with how it turned out, and had so much joy while making it.
! announcements !
💌 february snail mail 💌
Desire & Decorum is the theme for this bundle. It features hints of greek mythology & modern romance to come together in a dreamy & soft bundle of goods. So much thought was put into this one to incorporate the themes or romance without over-the-top Valentine’s touches, which you can read about here.
What’s in this month’s envelope:
- micro essay/letter
- handwritten note
- 4”x6” art print postcard
- mini card
- loose wax seal (for your use)
- 2”x 2” die cut sticker
- themed word search
- themed playlist QR code
This is $9 USD and ships internationally! Orders are mailed all at once & will be mailed, at the latest, on Feb 10th <3 you’ll be notified once it is sent
❔the advice corner❔
Starting in february’s edition, I would love to add an advice column to each monthly recap post! Here is where you will be able to anonymously submit questions to be answered the following month. I’ll also be including other Substack writers to offer advice on these questions as well.
looking forward!
The anticipation for February holds just as much excitement as January did for me — and I hope that stays a theme for this year.
the olympics!
I love the olympics so it is safe to say I am looking forward to this month. My favorite events are figure skating, ice hockey, skeleton, and snowboarding (half-pipe, big air, & slopestyle). Tell me your favorites in the comments!
planning vacations
More than anything I want this to be a year full of holidays big and small. This is about the time to start keeping an eye on prices for the trip we are wanting to go on this summer, so I am extra excited as it begins to feel real.
starting some classes
I’m officially starting my next steps of going back to school again! I complete a professional certificate last year in anticipation of this, and this month I will be starting the classes to show proficiency needed to get into my program!
substack posts
I cannot wait to share the post I have planned for this month. It was a goal of mine to A) have a planned schedule this year to keep stress at bay, and B) post more paid content. This month we’ll be doing that. There are some essays and guides planned, my thoughts on the Artist’s Way, and also hoping to bring you guys a collab post or two. Stay tuned <3
send me a coffee
follow me on instagram & rhome
get the snail mail club
i’ve never heard of rhome!! checking it out now…
I also started the Artists Way but my hand hasn't adapted yet to my ambitious page count 😂 I hope I'll get there soon.