Winter is the season of stillness and turning inward. Even though many people don’t exactly love this time of year, I truly believe we all need it in one way or another. January, especially, is made for winter rest. The celebrations are over, the world (at least where I live) is still wrapped in a thick layer of ice, and there isn’t all that much going on outdoors. Perfect conditions to slow down, breathe, and enjoy the quiet. So, what was I up to in January? Let me tell you in this month’s recap.
What I’ve Been Up To
The fact that I’m one of those rare people who genuinely enjoys January might have something to do with the fact that I was born this month. Naturally, I celebrated my birthday accordingly – complete with snow and ice, and a delicious breakfast. 😉
I also started journaling (or, more old-school: keeping a diary). I don’t write every day, but somehow that makes it feel more honest. And I’m sure that in a few years, I’ll love rereading these little anecdotes from my everyday life today. 😉
Other than that, January is truly my month of calm. I try to spend plenty of time outside in the fresh air and make it a habit to read a little every evening.
Since the nights are still long, I currently find it a bit harder to get out of bed in the mornings. Whenever I find the time (spoiler: far less often than I’d like), I do a few yoga stretches to wake myself up. And every morning, I step out onto the balcony for a few deep breaths. When the sun is shining, I absolutely love the contrast of warm sunlight on my face paired with crisp, cool morning air – it’s the best wake-up call.
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What I’ve Been Wearing
January was pretty quiet for me, so I often opted for slightly dressier leggings paired with a chic sweater (I especially love the ones from Sezane*, tip: check Vinted and similar platforms – you can sometimes find real gems there). Otherwise, I relied on long-sleeved dresses and, of course, coats.
I also used the first month of the year to cut my hair back into a bob and am now wondering why I didn’t do this much sooner. Shorter hair is just so much easier and quicker to style. 😉
Tip: I’m trying to share my daily outfits a bit more regularly on LTK again, so feel free to stop by my account!
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What I’ve Been Reading & Watching
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Winter months are reading months for me. And even though I didn’t read quite as much in January as I did in the months before, I still made my way through a few books. Three of them, in particular, completely pulled me in:
Phantasma: Play for Your Life, Fear Love
Phantasma is one of those books I devoured in no time at all. The author draws us into a dark and dangerous world where a mysterious game decides over life, death, and forbidden emotions. The protagonist finds herself trapped in a competition full of riddles, trials, and moral grey areas, where every decision comes at a price – and where love can be both salvation and the greatest danger of all. Blending dark fantasy, sizzling romance, and a rich gothic atmosphere, this story explores trust, power, and the question of how far we’re willing to go for our hearts… or for money.
The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris
.After dark games and dangerous emotions, I was craving something a little warmer for the soul. The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris takes us to a small, fragrant French bakery that holds more secrets than it first appears. As the protagonist settles in, she slowly discovers that behind flaky croissants, comforting hot chocolate, and charming encounters lies a touch of magic and many untold stories. Between clouds of flour, childhood memories, and new friendships, a heartwarming tale unfolds about fresh starts, togetherness, and the small miracles of everyday life – perfect for cozy reading sessions with a cup of tea (or hot chocolate).
Frankenstein:
You’ve probably already seen the new Frankenstein movie on Netflix, and once again I’m fashionably late to the party. But if you haven’t watched it yet, let me wholeheartedly recommend it. I think it’s absolutely brilliant! The cast, the atmosphere – just fantastic.
Frankenstein – the novel:
The film inspired me to finally read Mary Shelley’s original novel. Sure, everyone knows the story – but have you actually read the book? Until now, I had only seen various film adaptations. So I treated myself to a beautiful special edition of this horror classic, complete with illustrations and fascinating extras. Admittedly, the reading takes a little getting used to at first: long sentences and archaic language can feel challenging in the beginning. The additional materials help, though, and once you settle into the rhythm, you quickly get used to the language.
Looking Ahead to February
February is the last true winter month and always sparks a quiet anticipation for spring. Still, it’s the perfect time to pause once more and enjoy the stillness before everything slowly comes back to life.
And of course, February also brings Valentine’s Day – a holiday I actually kind of like (even though it’s undeniably very commercial). Still, celebrating love for a whole day? That’s pretty wonderful, if you ask me.
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