Southerly summary - January 2023
I think January can feel like a long month to some because there’s so much hype at the beginning around the holidays and New Years. Then as time moves along, we typically fall back into old routines. Rather than put so much emphasis on the New Year itself, I like to reflect back on each month as it passes and find inspiration for the month or season ahead.
We had a rainy start, but by far the highlight was a last minute escape to Healdsburg with friends to ring in the new year. We stayed at the most amazing eco ranch, ate fresh veggies, and played with farm animals. Perfect slow start to 2023!
January was also filled with much needed girl time in the city and lots of planning - for both the house and the blog.
I’m still trying to get into a creative flow and taking in inspiration from Pinterest, books, and life. You can read more about my design inspiration for our renovation project here. And I finally took time to recap our amazing wedding week (fave photos and the details)!
As construction is underway (mind you slowly), I find myself wanting to continue my quest for simplicity but being met with challenge. So instead, the theme of this year will be to “embrace the chaos…” and I’m learning as I go. As an HSP and type A personality, this has been one of the hardest things for me to work on! We have boxes in some rooms, stuff taking over our garage and new shed, and I’m not able to organize/clean up how I’d like. But I’m thrilled to see some progress and trying to enjoy the journey (and document it!).
January is also my birthday month and as much as I want to love it, I’m not really a winter girl. At least since moving to California it opens up more possibility for adventures! This year we celebrated with friends and family with a nice dinner at a local favorite restaurant and my husband got me concert tickets to see one of our favorite bands, Old Dominion. It’s not until the summer…so guess he’s testing my patience there too!
All good things come to those who wait, right?!
In February, I’ll be continuing to push for our family room/mudroom project to be further along (admittedly not sure what that looks like yet). I’m digging into more home inspiration and research (actually visiting appliance stores, etc.). And on the creative front, I’m seeking out new Podcasts (currently listening to The Accidental Creative) and hoping to get more confident in my photography. I’m so grateful to those of you who reached out on social encouraging my recent direction! It means so much. And also hoping to get our Bernese dog up to the snow while winter is still here! Seeing him so happy is such a joy…and then it’s onto spring!
Images via Pinterest