The beginning of a new year always feels like a pause — not a reset, not a reinvention, just a moment to take stock. January was quieter than usual for me, in the best way. Less rushing, less sharing, more noticing. It stretched quietly into February, but these were the moments that defined the start of my year. Loving Lately has always been my way of capturing these in-between moments, so it felt right to start 2026 here.
Reading
I lost the thread on reading during the hustle and bustle of the holidays/new year. But last week during the snowstorm I FOUND IT. I devoured “Wild Reverence” by Rebecca Ross – which is so beautifully written. Then two nights later I inhaled “The Never List” by Jade Presley (and will definitely read the sequel). Note: this is by far one of the steamiest books I have ever read that probably needs to be stored in a lockbox.
Arbor and I popped into the library last week where I picked up books 2-4 in The Darkest Minds series by Alexandra Bracken. I’m not sure why I quit the series after the first book back in September! The dystopian science fiction story is set in a post-apocalyptic world where one day American children either suddenly die from a disease or develop one of five abilities. Feeling threatened, the government throws all of the children in rehabilitation camps. It is dark and disturbing and I can’t stop reading the books.
Before I picked up these harcovers, I was reaching for audiobooks that feel comforting rather than challenging. You know the kind of books you can listen to while shoveling snow or folding laundry? Those are my audiobooks on rotation: ACOTAR by Sarah J Maas. And yes, I’m back in that world for a second time because it is so so good. I have a list of books I want to read this 2026 winter and have been adding to my Good Reads shelf too.
Wearing
Soft layers and pieces I don’t have to think about… on a work day? Does that exist? I LOVE getting dressed up for my job, but when the temps are barely hitting 10 degrees F, I just want to be warm and cozy. The remedy: a nice pair of SCRUBS.
While scrubs are completely appropriate when working in a medical office, they can seem inappropriate for an office manager. However, my boss doesn’t mind and if I’m not dressing like Adam Sandler at a hospital, why not? I’m squirreling away all of my affiliate sale earnings to stock up on Figs. I know there are plenty of other brands out there, but Figs are quite possibly the most comfortable clothes I’ve ever worn. They come in the best colors and frequently have sales!
In addition to the Figs, I’m loving cozy Free People base layers and fleece, as well as some new Lululemon leggings and a fabulous Mount Snow Scuba full-zip hoodie.
Eating
While many people start the new year with a diet or some type of cleanse, I usually find myself eating comfort foods during January. Dairy free versions of cozy dishes like Chicken with Dumplings, Swedish Meatballs, and Loaded Baked Potato Soup have been served in my home. For the cheese lovers – we have had crockpot lasagna AND dutch oven lasagna, as well as loaded nachos. We also had a family pizza night at my parents for their birthdays with pies from Modern Apizza and Nolo (vegan) in New Haven.
Working On
Making life easier… on myself. Finding a better balance between sharing online and being present offline. I’ve been more intentional about where I spend my energy — choosing connection over constant content creation.
Simple is good right now.
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