What I’m bringing into 2026
Imma be honest. I’m not a winter girly. I’m not big on the cold. I grew up in the mountains, so I’ve lived in snowy climates for most of my life. But snow after Christmas is over loses a bit of the magic IMO. So finding little bits of joy during this hibernation season is very important to me.
While I’m not big on resolutions, I’m all for new beginnings, and being intentional on the tone I set for my next chapter. So here’s what’s been getting me through the cold and propelling me into the new year :)
Rec Roundup:
Happy sumo season! If you’ve never had the pleasure of indulging in a sumo orange, YOU NEED TO. Omg these are sooo good. I’m typically not an orange gal, but these are so sweet and juicy. I wait all year for them.
Another fave snack this month are these Stellar Braid pretzels. I got these on a flight, and I actually made a joke that they looked too fancy to be a good snack. Boy was I wrong. These SLAP. I pound these at night when I’m writing.
And while I’m writing, I like to have my new Jellycat seal I got for Christmas cuddled up with me. Bad news is that I think he’s sold out. But the good news is, they always have some sort of cute friend to make your new writing companion.
I considered gatekeeping this, but you know I’d never do that to ya! This strawberry lip-balm from colorpop is my absolute fave of all time. And with the air being so dry and cold, lippie hydration has never been more important.
Another beauty fave, I recently picked up the dossier Musky Musk fragrance to wear to the gym. It’s a dupe for Juliet Has a Gun’s Not a Perfume, and it’s so good. Light, clean, and long wearing. And CHEAP! I think this bottle was less than $35 so it has been the perfect casual fragrance.
And last but not least, I’ve been collaging in my writing notebooks which has been a really fun way to feel like I’m on pinterest without being on my phone. And these sticker books are soooo pretty! I got mine on amazon, but I think you can get them wherever books are sold.
Music:
My listening habits this month were funky, nostalgic, and vibey. I listened to a lot of albums I loved when I was younger, and delved deeper into new-ish ones that have been in my rotation for a while now.
Movies & TV:
I didn’t venture into anything too daring this month. My husband and I rewatched all of Stranger Things in preparation for the series finale. I fell deep down the conformity-gate rabbit hole. And was ultimately disappointed. I don’t want to talk about it.
I binged Heated Rivalry in a day and a half and it slayed. Def think it’s worth the hype. Big fan.
Abbott Elementary has been on my list for a long time and I was craving something light-hearted after Stranger Things. I’m LOVING IT so far!
Speaking of light-hearted, I had the honor of exposing my husband to When Harry Met Sally for the first time. He was literally giggling through the whole movie which made me feel all warm and fuzzy.
Books:
I’ve been in a major reading slump. I’ve read a few less than amazing books back to back, so I’ve curated my next reads specifically to get me out of my funk!
I haven’t read Mate yet, but I’m going to a panel that Ali Hazelwood is on at the end of the month! So I need to get on this one!
Julie Soto’s new novella looks like it has very similar vibes to OFF BOOK, so I’m sure I’m going to gobble it up.
Both Margaret Atwood and Rebecca Ross are grocery list authors for me. I’ll read anything they write. So I’m pumped for these two as well!
