Hi, friends! Welcome back to another year of stylishly good vibes. I’m back on the blog today sharing a roundup of the little things I’m loving right now—the routines, habits, and joys that help make the winter months feel lighter and more intentional.
Scheduling Fun Facial Treatments
Now, when I say “fun,” I know that probably only applies to me and a very specific subset of people, but hear me out! Every January, I love scheduling microneedling as a sort of beginning-of-the-year skin reset. Last year, I did three sessions within the first few months, but I’ve learned that two sessions a year is the sweet spot for me to keep my skin looking fresh and smooth.
If you’re local to Asheville, I go to Evolve Skin Studio, and they truly do microneedling unlike anywhere else I’ve tried (and I’ve had it done many times over the past five years). The experience is incredibly thoughtful: while your face is numbed with a topical anesthetic, your facialist gives you an upper-body massage. Once the microneedling is complete, you’re tucked under a Celluma LED light for 20–30 minutes to reduce inflammation and you get a foot and calf massage while you relax.
Despite a bit of post-treatment tightness, you walk out feeling so calm and refreshed. It’s the kind of self-care that feels indulgent, but also genuinely restorative.
Getting Out by Doing Something Good
This year, I wanted something consistent to look forward to each week—something that got me outside and out of my own head. That’s where Hope for Horses comes in.
It’s a local nonprofit that rescues and cares for horses, and I started volunteering weekly. I have no real horse experience beyond a couple of trail rides as a kid, but that didn’t stop me. I spend my time feeding the horses, helping with daily care, and just being around them—and honestly, it’s been such a grounding experience.
Some mornings are so frigid, but there’s nothing quite like that feeling of doing something meaningful, being outdoors, and contributing to something bigger than yourself. It’s been one of the most unexpected mood-boosters of my winter.
The Never-Ending List of Crafts
If you know me or follow me on Instagram, you know crafting is always part of my life, and winter is prime creative season. Every January, I like to audit all the projects I’ve saved on Pinterest, TikTok, and Instagram and narrow them down to the ones I actually want to try.
Having a curated list of projects makes weekends feel exciting instead of overwhelming. I always have something creative to look forward to, whether I want something cozy and familiar or a little more challenging.
This year, stained glass is at the very top of my “learn something new” list. I’m still deep in the research phase, but I’m hoping that by March I’ll be ready to finally try my hand at it.
Picking a New Series to Obsess Over
2026 is officially the year I rediscover my love for reading—and it’s already off to a great start. I recently read the first book in the ACOTAR series, then switched gears and started Fourth Wing to see which I’d like more.
I have to say, I love Fourth Wing. The world-building and level of detail make it so immersive. I genuinely feel like I’ve stepped into the story alongside the characters. I’m finishing Onyx Storm now, and then I’ll be heading back to the rest of the ACOTAR series.
I also joined a book club this year, which I think will really help reignite my love of talking about books with other readers. And if you’re looking to jump back into reading too, I highly recommend using a free trial of Kindle Unlimited—it’s 30 days of borrowing as many books as you can finish.
A Hair Refresh
There’s just something about a January hair appointment that feels extra indulgent. Now, I’m not entering my “bob era” like everyone else. I love my long hair and feel most like myself with it, but I do love getting my blonde refreshed and all the split ends cleaned up.
Although I’m not planning anything dramatic at my next appointment, I’m so excited about it. Sometimes the best change is realizing you don’t actually need to change anything at all.
That’s all I have for you today. I hope this inspires you to create your own list of winter joys—little things to look forward to that help kick off the year feeling grounded, refreshed, and hopeful.
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