my january favorites
what I've been loving + BIG NEWS
I’ve evolved quite a bit since my previous favorites post - which is pretty natural considering it’s been 7 months since I posted that. Many things have happened, including starting my second year at work, reading quite a few books, and many hours of video games.
But here’s what I’ve been loving and consuming at the start of 2025!
watching
Lucifer
I’m not normally a big TV show person - I have my comfort shows like Monk and Psych, but for whatever reason I am just not a big TV watcher. I mostly prefer to play video games and listen to audiobooks.
Lucifer has been different though. I think because my friend Mary got me into it, I have someone to be excited about the show with, and the show is just that good. I feel invested in the characters, there’s humor, there’s drama, and the on-the-nose Christian religion references feel light-hearted rather than too serious.
playing
Stardew Valley (1.6 Update)
This is a game I have at least 450 hours of playtime in, so I feel as though I know it inside and out. When the 1.6 update came to the Switch (FINALLY), I hopped on and started building a new farm. I love the cozy vibes of this game and the new update sprinkles in new experiences to make my next 450 hours even more enjoyable.
reading
Weyward by Emilia Hart
Vibes: Dark, historical fiction, powerful women, witches, magical realism
Why I loved this book: This book perfectly intertwines the lives of multiple women across a wide range of time (2019, 1619, and 1942). Emilia Hart does such a good job of making you feel how these women feel and triggering female rage. But this book isn’t a tragedy - it’s a story of women supporting women, taking down their abusers, and feeling empowered. I highly recommend.
I Feed Her to the Beast and the Beast Is Me by Jamison Shea
Vibes: ballerinas in bloody tutus, broken toenails, Paris, rivers of blood, pacts with demons
Why I loved this book: I grew up thinking I was going to become a ballerina. So when the main character, Laure, talks about her passion, sacrifices, and dedication to ballet, I felt that. For readers who can’t quite relate to this experience, I think the author does a fabulous job of providing perspective for what it is like to be poor, queer, and Black in the world of ballet - a much-needed perspective. I can’t wait to read the sequel!
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Vibes: Cozy, hilarious, descriptive,
Why I loved this book: I recall attempting to read this book when I was a pre-teen and giving up after the first page. So when my “book club” suggested I read The Hobbit, I finally caved. And let me say, it was well worth it. What enhanced the reading experience for me was that I read the book while listening to the audiobook, narrated by Andy Serkis (an incredible actor who performed the role of Gollum in the movies!). I felt immersed in this beautiful cozy yet dangerous world.
listening
Spotify keeps making me indie pop music playlists and I am in love. Here are some of my top songs from the month. I’ve been on a real Remi Wolf kick lately!
doing
The big event that happened this month was our trip to New Orleans for our good friends Aric and Mary’s bachelor/bachelorette party! It was such a great time that I’m still sifting through the photos to figure out what I want to post on Instagram.
But the BIG news of January is…
I got engaged.
So, how did it happen?
After a full night of partying and celebrating in New Orleans, I woke up feeling drained (read: hungover) and had zero motivation to get out of bed. David, my partner, kept urging me to get up, his frustration growing as I resisted. Finally, I dragged myself out of bed and started getting dressed.
Just as I was pulling myself together, David opened the doors to our hotel room’s balcony and asked me to step outside. The view was breathtaking, and as I stood there taking it all in, I turned around to see David on one knee.
He asked me to marry him.
And, of course, I said yes.
What have you been loving this month?
Let me know. <3 I’m always open to suggestions.
Until next time,
been reading all your backlog posts and loving it so far, it's like catching up with a friend <3 congrats on your engagement btw! loved your wedding vision board
Aww! Congratulations! Catching up on some reading and found a post of yours referencing the engagement