10 Things That Happened In January

Well, we did it. We made it through the first month of 2024! How was your January? Ours was pretty great. We celebrated Jackson’s 10th birthday, soaked up a few unseasonably warm and sunny days, and made a few really fun changes around the house!

Last year, my monthly wrap ups were all about the things that brought me joy. It was my word of the year, and I really wanted to focus on it. Since I have a new word of the year now (read about it here!), I figured that meant it was time for a new format for our wrap-ups. So, welcome to the first “10 Things” of 2024.

Let’s dive in.

10 Things That Happened in January

• I made some serious progress in the game room, and it felt so good! We’ve added some more shiplap (only one wall to go!), and added a new cabinet to display LEGO sets. I’ve felt really inspired in this space this year, and I’m really looking forward to doing lots more in the coming months.
• Jackson turned 10! This year he requested no party (!!), so we had some really low-key celebrations. Corey and I took him on a date to an escape room and out for dinner at Olive Garden. It was a total blast, and since it was our second year in a row I think it’s safe to say that a birthday date is an official tradition around here.
• We added a desk to our bedroom! If you follow along on Instagram, you got to watch how it quickly evolved from “Corey’s” desk to “our” desk once I realized how functional it is. I promise I’ll share here once it’s a little more set up and looking cute. Currently, it’s just a desk in a corner with a folding chair. We’ll get there!
• We played a ton of Uno Attack, and I shrieked every single time it spit cards at me.
• I set a goal to read 9 books, and I read 10! You can see them all here, but some highlights were Their Vicious Games, Maame, and Daisy Jones & the Six.

• The boys and I baked these simple rolls and our entire family couldn’t stop talking about them for a week straight.
• I signed up for my third (!) marathon. It’s the same one I ran last year and I’m more excited than I thought I would be! Training starts in March!
• Some big plans were made for upcoming projects. I don’t want to spoil anything, but you can look forward to some pretty big updates in our bedroom in the next few months, as well as re-painting a space I recently did, AND a huuuuuge closet makeover that I can’t wait to dive into.
• Corey and I watched Fargo season 5 and loved every second of it. We also watched Saltburn (woah), Self Reliance (we liked it!), and The Purge (can’t believe we’ve never watched them all!).
• I began practicing a forced break every day before I get the kids from school. If I go straight from “work mode” to “mom mode” without any sort of transition, I find myself a little cranky and disoriented. Instead, I’ve been spending 30 minutes at the end of every day reading before I head out the door to get them. It has made the biggest difference for me, and I hope I can keep up the habit!

Top 10 Finds This Month

1. This cardigan was one of my most-worn things this month. Love that it can be worn alone or over a tee or tank!
2. I ordered a rain jacket for a trip Corey and I are taking next week and I am in love with it. It’s comfy and I feel so cute in it. Makes me actually look forward to rainy days!
3. Ordered my second pair of these crazy comfy sneakers. They’re perfect for long walking days – I love wearing them in Disney World!
4. I saw someone on Instagram wearing this beautiful cardigan/jacket and I had to have it. I immediately ordered it and fell in love. It’s so thick and soft, and I get tons of compliments every time I wear it.
5. Needed a new one piece black bathing suit for an upcoming trip. I ordered 5 and tried them all on. This one was the winner!
6. I’ve been using these wipes to dry my face off after washing it instead of a towel and I’ve been shocked at the difference it’s made in how happy my skin is.
7. I got this countertop organizer for the bathroom for Christmas and I am so in love with it. Looks so great on the counter!
8. Shared these lick mats for the dogs on Instagram and y’all loved them! We always load them up with peanut butter if we have to leave the dogs for a while (or if the cleaners are coming and we need to lock them in our closet) and it keeps them occupied!
9. Can’t stop raving about how much I love these huggie earrings. I wear them almost every single day.
10. And finally, started reading this book that I’ve been waiting desperately for for two years now. Going to try to savor it, but it’s going to be hard!