February 2026 Goals

Happy Wednesday! Can you believe we're already a few days into February? Per usual, January felt like the longest yet shortest month ever. The first few days of January, leading up to my birthday, were amazing. I spent those days preparing for the month and the new year. Of course, I also spent those days celebrating my birthday, since it fell on a weekday. 

In January, John and I went on a date and tried Roxy's for the first time. The food was pretty great, and we plan to go back soon. We also wandered around the Marietta Square and explored some shops. I got some new art supplies, a gorgeous vase, a new mug, and a few fun other things as gifts. John and I also went to First Watch and ordered some of their seasonal menu items. Their B.E.C. was delicious! 10/10 highly recommend. I also had jury duty for the first time, and it was interesting. I know a lot of people usually get annoyed when they have to report for jury duty. I was annoyed at first, but quickly changed my mind. Raphael and I played Mario Kart, and it was so much fun. We also had some winter weather that forced schools and workplaces to shut down. It was so nice to rest at home. Unfortunately, we didn't get snow, but we definitely got some on the first day of February.

This month, I'm looking forward to a slower(ish) month. I'm looking forward to celebrating Valentine's Day. I'm especially looking forward to winter break. I'm hoping to catch up on a couple of shows and (maybe) watch a movie.

Recap of January 2026 Goals

• Read 2 books I borrowed from the library: Raphael and I have been on a Jory John kick and enjoyed reading several of his books in the The Food Group series. We still have a few more books from the series to read, and I plan to place a few more holds soon.

• Read 1 book I received from NetGalley: I read How to Be Okay When Nothing Is Okay by Jenny Lawson. This was a really great read. This book read like a mix of self-help and memoir, which I loved. It was interesting to read Jenny Lawson's take on anxiety, depression, and ADHD.

• Participate in Exhale's January blog hop: I didn't participate in the actual blog hop, but I did make a piece using the prompt after the blog hop's date. You can check out my piece here.

• Make 1 scrapbook/Project Life layout: I worked in my Project Life album, but didn't complete the layouts. I am waiting for my photos to arrive, but I have already worked out the placement for my cards and photos. Next, I plan to work on the journaling.

• Work in my sketchbook/journal: I haven't worked in my sketchbook. January was extremely busy, and I did a lot more organizing of craft and art supplies. I do know which sketchbook I plan to use, so I'm really hoping that this creative block is finally gone for good. I just need to set aside some time to play with my art supplies.

• Drink more water: I've been drinking a lot more water, and even more so once I was under the weather. I hope to continue to keep this good habit.

February Goals

• Read 1 book I borrowed from the library
• Read 1 book I received from NetGalley
• Make 1 scrapbook/Project Life layout
• Work in my sketchbook/journal
• Try 1 new recipe

What are your goals for February? How did you do in January?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

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January 2026 // A List

1. Whoo! January, my goodness, was a month. January is a special month because it's my birthday month. The month started off great with the arrival of the New Year and then my birthday just a few days later. I dreaded thinking about January 6 and hoped the rest of the month would go well.

2. As always, I spent the entire month celebrating my birthday. Nothing extravagant, but I tried to do something small almost every day. A pick-me-up treat on a random Tuesday, lighting candles, redeeming birthday rewards throughout the month, and getting a few new art supplies.

3. Some good things this month: My birthday, jury duty (yes, I know), a day off work due to the weather, so many great books, especially Lily Archer's new book Gold Flame: Dragons of Oblivion, colorful roses in my new vase, I got some new Brooks sneakers and they are amazing, treats from Crumbl, a rare trip to Blick Art and Trader Joe's, a day date with John, playing Mario Kart with Raphael, watching His & Hers (so good!), all the soups, lots of resting and relaxing, and ending the month with snow!

4. Although I experienced so many good things this month, my heart once again broke for so many people and the country. I just can't believe that we still have to protest the same things over and over. I don't understand how some people seem to have lost their humanity. 

5. Although the country's current events are horrifying, I still have hope. It was great seeing groups of students protesting peacefully and making their voices heard. It was also great to see so many of my favorite artists and documentarians create powerful works of art during this time.

6. I've been thinking about my one little word for the year, and I am hopeful. I love that I've been reminded of my word throughout the month and even more so towards the end of January.

7. January was such a strange month. It went by fast, but also felt like the longest month. In fact, there were days when it felt like I lived a lifetime in January. So many things happened during January. There were definitely some unexpected events. We all got a little sick during the month. I, myself, am currently battling a cold as I type this. 

8. As this month ends, I hope that February is a gentler and calmer month. I'm hoping it's a more creative month. May it be a month of feeling at ease.

9. Goodbye January. Thank you for all the lessons I learned and am still learning. Hello February. I have such high hopes for you (no pressure). Here's to good days, good health, good vibes. Here's to the journey ahead. I'm as ready as can be. Onward.

Photo by Christie Kim on Unsplash

10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Happy Friday! It's been a week. We had no school or work on Monday because of the winter storm, so it was nice to have an extra day to rest and relax. I'm currently under the weather and am looking forward to resting this weekend. There's another winter storm on the way, so we'll be at home this weekend.  I'm hoping for some snow this time. I plan to read a book or two and drink so much hot chocolate. Either way, I plan on staying cozy this weekend. 

1. I picked up a few books I had on hold at the library and can't wait to dive into them. What are you currently reading?

2. I've been devouring soup this week. One of my favorite soups is chicken tortilla soup, and I ended up ordering some from Newk's. 

3. Vanessa's Fem Quotes journal

4. A song on repeat: EoO by Bad Bunny

5. I saw a group of students peacefully protesting the funding of ICE and the administration, and I was happy to see them using their voices to be heard. I hope everyone who is currently protesting remains safe. 

6. One of the cutest things I've seen this week.

7. Letter #22: To Frida Kahlo from Jane R. Shore. A fantastic read, and the artwork is so cool.

8. Sharing funny memes and videos with my little sister.

9. Valentine's Day chocolate. The Ghiradelli Crème Brûlée hearts chocolates are absolutely delicious.

10. It's finally Friday, and January is almost over. 

What made you happy this week?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

2026 Anticipations

The anticipation of...

The first snow / ice storm of the season / complaining of the cold while dreaming of warmer weather / the first winter walk on the Silver Comet Trail / finally attempting to make homemade bread / putting fresh flowers in my new vase / wintering and embracing the stillness of winter / cuddling with my kids / winter break / weekly happy and grateful lists / board games with my kids and husband / date nights with my love / more light / the subtle signs of spring's impending arrival / seeing the first bouquets of tulips at the grocery store / farmers market season / perhaps a trip to the mountains or a trip to Savannah / more adventures with my family / taking refresher courses related to my degree / making a decision regarding graduate school / new career goals and making some changes / more writing / more creating / more documenting / spring break / lighting seasonal scented candles / especially an ocean or water scented candle / hiking at Kennesaw Mountain / summer break / welcoming and embracing the summer solstice / baking a strawberry pie / s'mores / the first sip of Morir Soñando / complaining of summer's heat while dreaming of cooler weather / the new school year / Fall and all of its wonders / Halloween and spooky season / buying new Halloween costumes/the first cup of apple cider / going to a pumpkin patch / wishing Fall would never end / October through December / holiday season / buying a new holiday ornament / making all the lists / looking back at 2026 / being grateful for another year.

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10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Happy Sunday! This has been a week. A super short work week, my youngest was feeling under the weather, the actual weather has been insane, and we are currently staying cozy and warm while hunkering down from this ice storm.  

1. Grocery store roses. They are so colorful and gorgeous. I loved putting them in my new favorite vase.

2. This wonderful and much-needed reminder. 

3. Crawfish Pepperjack Soup from Newk's. Perfect on a cold winter day.

4. A song on repeat: Messy by Lola Young

5. Currently reading: Accidentally Yours by Christina Lauren

6. This funny Winter Storm Fern weather report

7. I bought a pair of Brooks Anthem 7 Running Shoes and absolutely love them. They are so comfortable, and I love the neutral color. This is my first purchase from this brand, and I'm planning to get a second pair soon.

8. On the wishlist: A subscription to Uppercase Magazine

9. Easy Activism for Heavy Hearts. Yes to all of this.

10. School and work have been canceled for Monday. We're so excited to stay home. It'll be nice to get some extra rest after such a hectic week.

What made you happy this week?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

Just Five Things

1. I'm currently reading Held by Anne Michaels, and so far I'm enjoying it. This book is Exhale's book club pick for the month. The narrative spans multiple generations, from 1917, during World War I, to 2025. The story begins with a soldier named John who lies on a battlefield after being injured and unable to move or feel his legs. I really like the book's formatting and style. Although I like the formatting and style, I'm slowly reading this book in small doses, as I've found I really need to pay close attention.  This is not a book I normally would have selected to read, and I don't often read historical fiction, but I'm happy I took a chance to read it.  I'll definitely follow up once I finish reading the book.

2. I was so excited when Kate McLeod's Valentine's Day collection was announced. After being a bit disappointed that the Winter Rituals mini body stone set was sold out, I made sure to order the latest seasonal body stone. I ended up ordering the Sweet Blossom lotion bar, and oh my goodness, it smells incredible! It goes on so smoothly, and my skin feels so soft. 

3.  Over the past few months, I've been especially mindful of the things I consume and mindful of my health and wellness. I've been wanting to try healthier food and drinks, and so far it's been going well. I randomly stumbled upon RYZE on Instagram, and I usually ignore ads, especially if it's a product sold only online. I prefer shopping in-store, especially for new-to-me products, but for some reason, RYZE caught my attention. After a few weeks of seeing RYZE ads and hearing friends recommend this coffee, I found out it is now sold at Target stores. I decided to take the plunge and try it. It's been a little over two weeks since John and I bought RYZE coffee, and I've been loving it! I never thought I'd love a mushroom coffee, but this is surprisingly delicious. I've tried the Medium roast coffee and the vanilla latte sticks. They are both delicious. I make it with milk and add a little bit of creamer.

4. Have you watched His & Hers? This mystery thriller follows estranged spouses, Anna, a news reporter, and Detective Jack Harper, as they try to solve a murder. I'm currently on the third episode, and so far, this limited series is so good. This is definitely a show that you need to sit and watch with no distractions, like your phone. However, I don't think that will be hard because the show will keep you hooked.

5. After decluttering my closet, I realized I needed to update my wardrobe. I was on the hunt for a couple of business casual pants and found some amazing ones at Old Navy. I bought their High-Waisted Billie Straight Ankle Trousers in black and grey melange. I plan to get another one in navy. I love that these can be worn for work or casual outings. They are so soft and fit well. They're on sale right now, so if you're on the hunt for business-casual pants, definitely check these out.

What have you been up to?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

Disclosure: Books are linked through Bookshop.org. If you choose to purchase any, I earn a small affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. 

10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Happy Friday! This was a strange and busy week. However, I still made a point of remembering the things that made me happy this week. It's always a joy to remember the good. 

1. I was summoned for jury duty and initially was annoyed. However, it wasn't that bad. It was actually an interesting day.

2. John and I had a day date and decided to get brunch at First Watch. I decided to try an item on their seasonal menu. I ended up ordering the B.E.C. and a Purple Haze juice. The meal was delicious.

3. "The great unplugging, the apocalypse of connectivity..." Danny Gregory

4. A song on repeat: Gypsy by Fleetwood Mac

5. Currently reading: Gold Flame by Lily Archer

6. This piece by Elle Luna 

7. Devouring: Strawberries and pineapples

8. I started working in my Project Life album and loved going through my Ali Edwards' Stories By The Month kits. I'll have to place an order for my photo prints soon. I think I may try to work on my journaling while I wait for the photos to arrive. Also, I'm on the hunt for a new printer that can print photos and documents at home. If you have any recommendations, please let me know.

9. New favorite snack/treat: Trader Joe's Rainbow's End Trail Mix Bar. 10/10 highly recommend.

10. The weekend is here, and it's a three-day weekend! I plan to stay warm and cozy, watch a new show, and read a good book. What about you?

What made you happy this week?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

Photo by Irena Carpaccio on Unsplash