january favourite things

light-hearted reads, organizing my bookshelf, luxe skincare and cookie bars

I love a fresh start, even if in the depths of winter. However, my take on a new year doesn’t mean drastic changes and massive new year resolutions. I’m at the stage of life where everything quietly builds on everything else. I’m also much better at slow improvement than overturning bits of my life. It’s basically not doable with three kids whose lives and needs thwart many of my big plans - it’s called…motherhood. Anyway, despite five bouts of illness between the three kids, yes, FIVE, and a polar vortex, I still have a solid list of favourite things for this month. All the time spent indoors meant space for reading, movies, decluttering, baking, and introspection. Below is my list of things that brought me joy this month! 

Reading

I've realized I don't have the stamina to read as much as I used to. Right now, a book or two a month feels good. Earlier in the month, I finished Intermezzo. I've enjoyed most of Sally Rooney's books and feel mixed on Intermezzo. It took me a beat to get into the cadence and time before I connected with the characters. However, the various chess references were fun because the boys in my family are chess lovers, and it gave me something to talk to them about. Also Peter’s story line (the elder brother) low-key gutted me. I'm glad I read it because it's neat to have read all of Rooney's books thus far, but I don't know if I enjoyed it like I did the others.

I'm currently reading two books. First, Keepers of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger, a fantasy book that's part of a more extensive series my ten-year-old son is obsessed with. He asked me multiple times to read the book so that he could share all his favourite characters with me, and I eventually caved. It's pretty good, and it really is sweet to be able to discuss the book with him. Second, Wives Like Us by Plum Sykes. A light-hearted comedy of manners set in the Cotswolds. I've laughed out loud at the antics of the extravagant residents and the inner thoughts of Ian, the butler who holds it all together. It's just the type of book I'm looking to read right now.

she’s funny

I also picked up Blue Sisters

And in the spirit of the English countryside, these ten Cotswolds homes made me wonder if I’m more charming, eclectic country home than zen beach house.

Watching

Our family did a Harry Potter marathon during Faezan's five-day flu. I don't think we've ever watched two movies in a row…like never, and it felt a bit freeing to say, 'We're just gonna sit on the couch and watch movies all day, and that's just fine."

One of my best decisions this month was to purchase a Master Class membership. I miss learning, and so many topics on the platform interest me. So far, I've completed and loved Alice Waters' "The Art of Home Cooking" and have just begun Apollonia Poilâne's "Bread Baking." I'm also interested in classes on mathematics, mindset, and leadership. Now, instead of aimlessly scrolling TikTok, I can throw on a class and spend my time more meaningfully.

Organizing

This month, I tackled a project I've been avoiding for a couple years now: the haphazard pile of books in the corner of my bedroom. It felt artful and curated at one point, and having all these books close to my bedside felt comforting. But, overtime they've become hard to navigate and clean around. Organizing the 150 books spread throughout our bedroom took me half a day. I donated some, put a bunch in Ali's closet, and stacked the rest onto an open shelf in the corner of our room, organized by genre. I can't tell you how happy it makes me to see all my books together. It's safe to say I've officially left the messy, charming era of my life and entered the labelled, organized era. Feels so good. 

my “upstairs” fiction collection (the rest of my books are in our family room)

Wearing

I’ve been living in my sweats most days. I just haven’t felt like getting dressed, but I think I’m going to change that for February. It really does impact my mind frame when I put on an outfit and a little makeup. Here are a few of my favourite looks from when I did get dressed and exit my home: 

I really loved this look

why don’t I have more mockneck sweaters?

date night

my fave look of the month

Skincare-ing

I’ve been narrowing down my skincare to products that work and feel luxurious. Like other parts of my life, an edited collection feels more manageable for day-to-day life. Here are the ones I’ve been loving: 

some of my absolute faves rn

Making

I have gone a little baking mad. Perhaps it's related to having more time and/or understanding what makes me happy. I’ve made a list of all things I want to learn this year, and pie dough and cinnamon buns are high on that list. Just thinking about it makes me excited. This month I made several batches of cookie bars and the most delicious lemon pistachio cake from Aran’s Goyoaga’s Cannelle Et Vanilla Bakes Simple. The cake was my absolute favourite, and I'll be making it again soon.

baking as therapy

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We haven’t done a warm weather holiday in the winter time for the past two years. And while I would rather travel to more unique destinations over a resort, I find this time of year challenging without a sunny break. Leaning into everything that’s wonderful about the indoors and colder weather, like baking, cooking, reading, movies and self-care, helps make the most of the season. 

I'd love to hear how you’re passing the winter season, wherever you are, and what have been some of your favourite things from January. 

Lots of love,

Sana

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