January Favorites | 2026
January sure was weird, wasn’t it?! Actually, I guess I shouldn’t assume we all had the same month. So a revised intro: January was really weird for me. And extremely - extremely! - snowy.
I think the biggest thing is that I usually come into January armed with a whole to-do list of improvements to make. I drill sergeant myself into eating less, drinking more water, and definitely participating in dry January. I always take a hard look at my budget post holiday spending and rein in all the way in. I guess, usually January is a month of deprivation after the loose, indulgent weeks surrounding Christmas. And usually that feels good to tighten up the ship, you know? But this year, the mood just never struck me. I came into the new year without any goals aside from my commitment to listen to a new album every week. Not exactly holding myself to a high standard, eh?
All I did this month was clean out my sock drawer, listen to a ton of new music, and mostly just go about my business as usual. And you know, January didn’t feel as long as it usually does, so maybe there’s something to all this “gentle January” business.
I had a nice month, but I’m still glad to see the end of it. February is a short month and then March starts to show us some peeks at spring, and then it’s practically summer. We just merged into the left lane and hit the gas, friends. Well on our way to nicer weather!
In the meantime, let’s chat about some January favorites -
1 // Rereading Old Favorites
I spent December deep in a reading rut, in which nothing encouraged me to read instead of scroll. My screentime was unreasonable! And so I started the year reading The Other Boleyn Girl, because I’ve read it at least five times and I knew I’d love it all over again. It worked like a charm, reigniting the reading fire, because all I really need is some momentum. I followed it with The Paris Wife by Paula McClain and This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub.
Maybe next month I’ll read something new, but for now, spending time with old favorites feels like peak cozy.
2 // Listening to a New-to-Me Album Every Week
Not actually new, just new-to-me. I made this my 2026 goal and I’ve stayed on pace, probably because it’s not that hard. I have a 35-40 minute commute to and from work every day and I just throw something on when I’m in the car. Boom, the work is done. For so little labor, the fruits are prolific! I have woken up with new tunes stuck in my head and found so many new favorites, and in general just feel so much more cultured. I’m embarrassed to say that I had no idea that basically every single song on Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours album was a well known banger. But now I know!
So far I’ve listened to Olivia Dean, Kacey Musgraves, Lana Del Rey, Fleetwood Mac, and Tony Bennett. Onward!
3 // Great Wolf Lodge
Honestly, ‘tis the season. An indoor waterpark that has to be at least 85º just feels good right now, even if it is power-packed with children who are overstimulated and just need a nap. My sister and I took our kids on a spontaneous overnight trip and we wound up getting snowed in and having to book an extra night. That was not expected, but it was a fun adventure. Our kids are all old enough to stick together and wander off on their own, so we perched up in the hot tub and caught up on life all afternoon. Such a treat for all of us!
4 // People We Meet on Vacation
Have you had a chance to watch this on Netflix? I didn’t love the book, but the moooooovie! OMG. I enjoyed it so much. The blue wig in New Orleans! Vacation Alex! “That’s a heck of a girl!”
5 // 2016 Throwback Trend
Oh man, what a delight. I loved seeing all the throwbacks to 2016 on social media this month. It just doesn’t seem like it was that long ago, but so much really does change in 10 years. As for me, I was pregnant for most of 2016 and scrolling through that entire year was especially nostalgic. I was so excited to be pregnant and felt really good right up until the last month when it was a million degrees and I felt like I weighed a thousand pounds. But when the scroll got me to September 2016 and I saw my new baby boy - oh man, a whoosh of emotion!
It made me realize that 2006 was a big year for me too - I graduated high school - so maybe I’m due for another life changing year. Fingers crossed!
6 // The Ordinary Soothing Barrier Support Serum
A godsend, honestly. My skin is so dry right now (and every winter, really). I’ve been layering on moisturizer that held the worst at bay, but didn’t really make me feel totally moisturized. Adding this serum to my line-up has made such a difference!
7 // The Beckham Family Drama
It’s so absurd in this climate of actually distressing news. Look, families not getting along sucks, but it is a tale as old as time. I just enjoyed a little frivolous drama to lighten things up. Your mom danced with you at the wedding? Boo fucking hoo, Brooklyn. She gave birth to you and it really fucking hurt. Be a little gracious. And your wife had to wear a Valentino dress? Girl, find something for real to complain about.
8 // Best Sellers
Far and away, these Old Navy jeans were the best sellers from the RET community. Loose and swingy, but nicely snug at the waist? And $19?! I’ve worn them at least 3x a week since they arrived and several of you took them home too. This satin pajama set (in red!) was also a crowd favorite. Very on brand for Valentine’s Day. We loved this cute paracord necklace - I want to get a second one in green. This perpetual calendar was another fun find that you’ll literally never need to replace. We love these lug sole chelsea boots - I wear mine to the office almost every day!
