January at a glance...

Ahh January, the first chapter of a new year…

WHAT I/WE DID

It was a typical January here; a bit slow, cold, gloomy, but somehow inspiring all at once. The new year, new month — the newness of it all inevitably brings hope and a “looking forward to” attitude, so yeah, January brings excitement. Or that’s how I look at it…

Not much to report, since as mentioned, it’s been frigid here, and we mostly stayed indoors. Though, don’t worry — we didn’t get bored at all 😉. My husband and I again reignited talks about moving to another state, and had long and deep conversations about the future — we like to keep it guessing, it’s more fun that way.

As the month wraps up, I’m feeling good about following my goal of exercising, even if on most days I have to fight myself to get it done. What helped me keep up with it was looking at it as “me time” — a time I get to listen to music and release emotions while moving my body. I’m actually having fun with it right now...

JANUARY BLOG POSTS ROUNDUP

I published a variety of articles this month, and many had the “New Year vibe”, for sure. Here’s what went on BloomingMagnoliasBlog.com this month:

December at a glance... The monthly “roundup” as we closed the last month of 2023…

5 things that bring me joy this week. The weekly series highlighting the seemingly insignificant things that serve as a reminder to appreciate the little things — those small joys that make a difference in our day-to-day.

2023 a recap, sort of... A general overlook of how 2023 was over here; spoiler alert — it was a tough one.

What's in, and what's out in 2024. More of, less of: personal intentions for the year ahead.

Beautiful style finds to cheer you up this winter. With so many gloomy days over here, I was starting to feel like I was getting the blues, so I turned to colorful fashion. It’s not me guys, it’s science!

Looking for a classic but fun little bag? Try this one! My last 2023 purchase was a cutie and I had to share it with the world…

Castor oil for hair and eyelash growth. As part of my self-care intentions for the year, I restarted this “treatment” for my eyelashes.

How to look and feel your best. Gave this post a refresh in case you also have self-care on your intentions list this year.

Ideas for a more fun 2024. A guide, if you will, of things to try to make 2024 more fun.

WHAT I BOUGHT

I tried to abstain from shopping this month, but the sales were too good, and I re-discovered a few items I had been eyeing but lost track of.

Plus, I needed another set of workout clothes like a sports bra, a pair of yoga pants (I prefer them), and activewear T-shirts. I don’t care for cute workout clothes as I strictly wear them while working out — basics work for me just fine.

As for fun purchases, I bought…

These interlock leather sandals. Didn’t get a chance to wear them yet but they seem comfortable, even if they’re a little higher than I initially thought they would be (totally on me). These were some of the items I was eyeing last summer, but lost track of, and when I “rediscovered” them, they were on major sale and I knew I couldn’t pass. They’re timeless, IMO.

An organza dress that’s now sold out — linking it in case it comes back. An unusual color choice for me (see the collage above), but I felt like switching it up. I did get to wear this one and I think I love it… Plus, it has pockets!

A shirt that will be perfect for warm weather — also sold out, but this one is similar in style.

A few other dresses I found on sale and couldn’t resist…

My most worn item in january…

Was hands down my Sarah Flint Natalie Ballerine flats — no kidding. *Get 15% off your first purchase of $230 or more when you use code SARAHFLINT-CCMARINA1.

What we watched

With so much cold weather, we ended most of our weekends (and weeknight meal times) with a movie or a show… Here’s what we watched this month:

The Golden Girls. I really enjoy this one. We tend to watch it “in-between” shows, aka, when we finish one and aren’t quite ready to jump into another. The Golden Girls has everything one can imagine — comedy, drama, sarcasm, silliness — it’s a comfort show, for sure…

Zoolander 1 and Zoolander 2. [Rewatched]. Silly, funny, and entertaining — just what one needs after a long day/week.

Night at the Museum, Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian, and Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb. [Rewatched]. I personally love these movies, the first and third being my favorite.

Lift. I don’t understand the hate this movie is getting. Sure, there’s some bad CGI in there, a storyline we’ve seen many times before, but did anyone really expect it to be some deep cinematic experience? Come on… I found it entertaining and actually enjoyed it.

Monarch: Legacy of Monsters. I really, really liked this show, contrary to the terrible reviews on IMDb! It’s Godzilla meets Stranger Things with lots of family drama in between. Yes, some episodes are slow and will make you yell at the screen, but I will take that a thousand times over raunchy and overly gory scenes in so many other shows and movies these days. Case in point — The Artful Dodger; I think it may be a good show, but I couldn’t get past the abundant medical gore scenes, so we had to give up on it.

A Murder at the End of the World. I have to admit that for the most part, this show seemed slow to me. After creating scenarios in my head, the ending surprised me, but I have to say that I liked it.

After reading reviews about the last 3 (Lift, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, and A Murder at the End of the World), all I can say is… Clearly, my expectations and taste in shows and movies are quite different than most… Oh well!

WHAT I READ

The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim. “Beguiling, witty, and gently comedic, The Enchanted April tells the tale of four very different women who escape dreary London for an Italian castle in Portofino, shortly after World War I. Elizabeth von Arnim’s ageless novel compellingly responds to the eternal question of how to achieve happiness in life. An immediate bestseller upon its first publication, the story of unlikely female friendship, newfound empowerment, rekindled love, and unexpected romance has been adapted for stage and screen, including a 1991 Oscar-nominated film, and a Tony-nominated play in 2003. This much-beloved book appeals to anyone who appreciates the sly charm of Downton Abbey and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.”

Well, in all honesty, I’m still reading this book and I am having a hard time getting into it. It starts slow and feels a bit “scattered” at first. There were a few times I wanted to stop reading it (in line with my “out” in 2024 list), but I’m giving it a chance. The verdict’s still out…

SONG OF THE MONTH

Breaking Benjamin is [mostly] the soundtrack of my workout, and this song comes on just as I wrap it up — feels appropriate as, despite me feeling tired, I also feel energized, at the same time?