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January tends to get a bit of a bad rap. With the holidays over and the dreary, bitter cold of winter’s clutches just beginning to take hold, it can seem there’s not much to smile about. Then again, perhaps you just need a bit of inspiration! Whether in comes in the form of a great movie, a new outfit, or a fresh shade of lipstick, sometimes, it really is the little things. Below, find five things I’m loving in January.
What I’m Reading
I kicked off 2020 with Magic of I’s 2020 astrology planner ($45, Magic of I). This thing is the real deal. Not only does it suffice as a standard daily planner, with added space for monthly and weekly intentions, it also holds secrets to the universe at large, introducing readers to the practice of living life in alignment with the cosmos. (Or at least, that’s the idea.)
While I was more than a little intrigued by its premise, this book, which is deemed suitable for anyone with an interest in astrology and the phases of the moon, is a bit more, uh, advanced, shall I say, than your basic horoscope. Designed to clue you into the realm of the stars, from the moon’s exact positioning in the sky — and how to make the most of the phase each position represents — to the movements of the planets and their potential impact on your own daily dalliances, it’s equipped with an intricate symbol system you can use to decipher your own in-depth analysis of the day to come. Or, if you’re not quite there yet (raises hand), quick summations are also provided on given days to alert you as to any opportunities (or alternately, *gulp,* challenges). A day marked “dark moon chill,” for instance, is said to be great for slowing down and inner reflection.
For beginners, such as myself, the codes and lingo presented can be a bit overwhelming, but once you’ve begun to dive in, it starts to make more and more sense — sort of like learning a new language. My hope, by the end of the year, is to be able to comprehend it all without needing to use the key, and to open myself up to the universe’s clues on how to best direct my own sails. Every little bit helps, right?
What I’m Drinking
When it comes to hot beverages, I’ve always been a coffee-over-tea kinda’ gal. Black tea, in particular, seems to have a particularly bitter aftertaste to me that I could never quite get into. Still, I’ve always idealized the concept of cozying up with a good book and a cup of tea, and so, every once in a while, I give it another go. One day, I noticed a particularly fancy-looking DAMMANN tea pouch (from $16.45, Amazon) in our cupboard that my boyfriend Kevin had brought home from the Peninsula. When I opened it up, my whole outlook on the warm drink was changed. Everything about this French import was draped in opulence, from its elegant, silky-smooth mesh tea bag to the fragrant loose tea leaves found within. It also tasted better than any tea I’ve ever tried, with a full, robust flavor profile that was nothing short of heavenly. Turns out, I just might be a tea lover after all!
The bad news? Those über-luxe satchets are reportedly made of nylon and plastic, making them a less-than-ideal choice for anyone with an interest in preserving the environment. The good news? The brand also sells its wares in a loose leaf version, which you can pair with a whimsical little steeper ($6.24, Amazon) for all the same deliciousness without the guilt.
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1. Magic of I 2020 Astrology Planner ($45, Magic of I); 2. DAMMANN Frères Tea Satchels (From $16.45, Amazon); 3. Prytty Casual Turtleneck Two-Piece Sweater Dress ($39.99, Prytty); 4. Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Scarlett Spell ($34, Charlotte Tilbury); 5: Parasite (Photo courtesy of NEON); 6. Andy Warhol: From A to B and Back Again, (from $21, Art Institute).
What I’m Wearing
If you follow along with my blog, you know that I’m no stranger to a good two-piece. In fact, come summer, I’ve taken to wearing them rather religiously. In the colder months, however, this easy, breezy style (yes, I did just made a punny play on my own last name — sigh) gets relegated to the back of the closet. Enter the winterized take on the matching trend ($39.99, Prytty). Comprised of an oversized ribbed turtleneck and a matching, ankle-length skirt, this cozy two-piece manages to keep your body covered while still offering up a stylish, unique look. I’m still waiting for mine to arrive in the mail, but if it looks even the slightest bit like the photos, it’s all you’re likely to see me in for the next several months.
What I’m Putting On
Forget your Ruby Woo lipstick: This season, I’m all about Charlotte Tilbury’s limited-edition Scarlet Spell ($34, Charlotte Tilbury). After years spent searching high and low for a perfectly edgy berry shade, I’ve finally found “the one:” Not too dark and not too light, it’s just right for my super pale, near see-through complexion. Miraculously, this ultra-flattering hue somehow manages to look stunning on every other skin tone, too, from the über-fair maidens such as myself to those on the completely opposite end of the spectrum. Though it’s currently sold out, you can sign up for email notifications that will alert you when it’s back in stock. (Trust me: It’s worth the wait.)
What I’m Watching
Every year around this time, Kevin and I watch as many Oscar-nominated flicks as we can before the big night rolls around. While we’re usually baffled at how some of them even made it onto the ballot list, there’s one movie that’s up for a golden statue in 2020 that we both agreed deserves all of its accolades and then some: Parasite. Yes, it has subtitles, but this film also has enough unexpected twists and turns to make it totally worth it. Centered on a lower-class Korean family whose luck begins to change when their son lands a job as a tutor for a super-rich family, it’s funny, dark, and poignant, all rolled into one. Each member of the clan eventually schemes their way into a position within the household, but their actions have serious — and surprising — consequences. Not only did this gem of a movie keep me on the edge of my seat, it had a completely unique premise (enough with the reboots, already, people!). As a true thinking movie, it also left me to ponder its themes of classism, family, and deceit long after the credits had begun to roll.
What are you digging this January? Tell me in the comments below!
Xo, Nicole
