10 Things I Love This January

We are surviving a New England winter with lots of soup and skiing, and I have been in a big reading kick which always makes me happy.

Here are some things that I have been loving this month, hope you enjoy them too!

1. What to Read: The Nightingale by Kristen Hannah. I blogged before about how much I loved The Great Alone, also by Hannah, and I was blown away by how good the Nightingale was. I was lost in German occupied France for the better part of January and I have a renewed appreciation for warm houses and full bellies. They suffered so much, and it has reminded me of the simple, profound grace of peace time life when contrasted with the realities of war. I also just bought Memoirs of a Happy Failure by Alice Von Hildebrand after a friend recommended it. I have wanted to read her books for a while and her passing has led me to so many beautiful interviews with her that I can’t wait to start it.

2. What to Make: These Buffalo Chicken Wraps are so super simple and a hit with the teenagers. I’ve also been making this super flavorful Pork Posole and everyone loves it. I can’t wait to try this Butter Chicken recipe too. And I read about someone raving about this Lemon Mustard Vinaigrette and my mouth is watering now.

3. What to Wear: The Loft has the best sweaters this season – I love this cardigan, I’ve been living in this sweater, and puff sleeve sweaters are the easiest way to look girly and dressed up even though you are super comfy.

4. What to Do: I really enjoyed this online writing course by Joyce Maynard. She is clear, concise and so encouraging for new writers. I want everyone to write a memoir after listening to her.

5. Where to Go: We just booked a trip here (with all 6 kids!) and I can’t wait.

6. What to Emulate: My organizer friend and I are tackling my pantry this week and I came across this post from In Honor of Design. Total pantry goals, though I am not sure I will be able to transfer all our dry goods to those pretty containers, but one can dream.

7. What to Listen To: I REALLY want to link to Encanto but we might all be sick of it by February since we have been listening to it so much. Instead I will offer up this sweet song that I’ve been playing to the twins. I first heard it at 4:30 am on a snowy morning when I had to bring Ronan to do a procedure at Boston Children’s (all is well). Early mornings are magic and this song brings me right back to thinking about what I would do for him because he is such a miracle.

8. What to Watch: The show Maid on Netflix wrecked me. We just started Yellowstone. But for family shows we have loved Resident Alien on Spyfy. The comedian Alice Wetterlund is a total scene stealer and if you remember Dodgeball or 28 Days with Sandra Bullock, the star of Resident Alien Alan Tudyk played such lovable characters in those movies.

9. What to Play: My neighbor has been telling us how much fun the card game Spite and Malice is and I can’t wait to try it. It is played with 2 decks of cards and sounds like it is sort of like a competitive Solitare for 2 people.

10. What to Dream about: Staying on an Italian farm through agritourism sounds pretty great right now. Of course, finding a French farm house on VRBO sounds lovely too.