Hi!
I'm so happy to be back to work. After months of not feeling wonderful, I've started to notice a shift this past month and am relishing in the joy that comes from being full of energy and inspiration. I've really missed connecting and sharing with you as frequently as I normally do! But I'm back and ready.
Hope you had a relaxing break! Let's dive into life lately and some inspiration for the month. A few currents lately below. What I'm reading, my favorite designer launched a new book that is so dreamy. Manifest is a book I've had for awhile and such a good one to revisit at the start of the year for major motivation and empowerment. I overdid holiday tunes (started too soon, per usual), the cure is always my garden playlist. And I have this podcast episode queued up, a friend of mine sent it to me!
The Moodboard
This month's moodboard is a reflection of my leaning into comforts, organization, fueling my mind and body, getting into nature as much as I can, and celebrating the fact that winter allows us to slow down and look inward.
Moments of self-care
Indulging in rituals to take care of my skin and body. Dry-brushing before (my many) epsom baths for lymphatic drainage and exfoliation. Baths have become my daily reset during this pregnancy... on particularly achey days, I feel so much more loose and content after a 10 min bath (when I can) I'll take one in the late morning and one in the early evening. In love with this foaming bath oil, it smells incredible and creates the most lavash bubble experience (AshleyK15 for a little discount). I also am loving tea before bed with a book and this sheet mask! I subscribe to the masks, they are unreal good. I can't believe my skin every time I use one.
Getting organized
The nesting bug has struck—and this time around it comes in the form of a desire for an organization spree. My wheels have been spinning and scrolling through all the juicy tricks and tips via Pinterest. I'll chat more about my plan with baby no.2's room set up etc. in a month or two when I get there (for those who have asked!). Going to get things in order first.
I do a pretty good job decluttering and keeping things in their place... but after living in our newly remodeled house since last spring, I've had time to notice what could use a touch more attention. Feeling organized and everything having a home base makes such a big impact on me. I'm very excited to start on this project! More on this later as I think it will deserve its own post.
Thinking about my spring garden
I wasn't as enthralled with gardening in 2024—I had so much going on (wrote about this more here) so I'm really looking forward to getting back to it this coming season. I miss immersing myself and studying up on this new(ish) hobby of mine. I'm so proud of how everything has unfolded in our garden. We have such a beautiful foundation and still have lots of room for filling in, experimenting, and adding more depth to our outdoor spaces. I pre-ordered some roses and planted my tulip bulbs. I'll be redoing our beds and mapping out which seeds to order soon, too! Will be a nice way to spend the end of pregnancy.
Homemade
First, I can't help but admire a photo of a wholesome stack of pancakes whenever I see one. Something about the visual feels so happy and cozy. I found this healthy recipe that we've loved on the occasion. It's so simple and good! I add a light layer of peanut butter (this brand is my absolute favorite by the way, it is perfect), and a drizzle of maple syrup on top.
In the start of pregnancy, I had such a fussy stomach and had to lean into the bread, rice, cereals, etc. I started to feel *so much better right before Hawaii (excellent timing) and am happy that the holiday indulgences are behind us—so ready to get back to a more balanced approach to meals.
I've known for a long time how corrupt the food industry is and have trained myself to scan labels, but lately it feels like things are out of control. I just saw an article about how some tea bags (made of nylon) have a crazy amount of micro-plastics. I mean, some teas even have "natural flavors". Now is the time to be incredibly diligent about checking labels because they are as sneaky as ever. Feeling extra motived right now to get back to cooking homemade as much as I can. Part of the reason I'm so motivated to grow our own food! I also want to get better about creating kid-favorite healthy alternatives (and ditch boxed mac).
A new agenda
If you know me by now, you know I love a journal, planner, agenda. At the start of every year I'm giddy with excitement for starting anew. I bought my silver Filofax years ago (after reading Living a Beautiful Life—if you haven't read this old school classic, you must!) and love freshening up the inserts. Getting my shit together this year and utilizing my planner again to keep me on track.
Keeping warm by the fire
Our fireplace was a last minute decision last winter while in the thick of our renovation, and has become such a focal point for our family this winter. Thank god I saw a Pinterest photo that inspired me to speak with my GC... it was a relatively ease add and brings so much to the space! I have loved curling up next to it in the morning with my matcha, laying with legs up under after a pilates flow, and the warmth and cozy vibes it brings has been a life uplevel.
Doses of nature
Bundling up for a walk, tidying up the garden on sunny days, and just taking notice of the change in nature this time of year feeds my soul. I know this can be more difficult when temps are frigidly low for some, but even sitting by a window in the morning and letting the sunlight hit your face is good for you. Side note, I saw someone share that they put these feet warmers in their boots for snowy winter walks—sounds divine, thought I'd pass along the idea! I am going to do this.
The January Edit
You know this, but my down comforter robe is an essential | Dry Brush I like | A good bath soak | My current favorite moisturizer (code: ashleykane) | A gorg sage planner | Toothbrush update (obsessed with mine) | Found these slipper boots and want them | A new colorway in the mugs/splatterware I have been collecting for many years | Made In's new beautiful pan collection, also love their copper collection (we have some of their products and love) | Living in these knit mocs | Ordered these Nikes (and some workout gear) to inspire more movement now that I am back to life!
Will be saving all my favorite January finds here
Lots of love,
Ashley
Featured images noted here
lately
