Completely satisfied New Season of Severance Weekend to all of you celebrating! And, completely satisfied Sunday to all of you. How has the beginning of your yr been? January has felt like 4 years shoved into one: my college moved to a model new campus so I obtained to arrange my fancy, clear, pretty new classroom! I had my residency week for my MFA program and am getting ready to graduate in July! Issues have been busy! 

Life additionally lastly feels prefer it’s settling into considerably of a standard routine. Regardless of an intense begin to the yr, I really feel like I’m lastly settling into a brand new routine. Based on my AstroTwins horoscope (Elle) which is considered one of a number of horoscopes I learn frequently — I’m principally a Chani woman (Chani.com) however the AstroTwins are good too!), Uranus has been whipping up chaos in my life for some time, and in 2025-2026, it’ll exit my signal and I’ll really feel secure and routined. I AM READY. The opposite factor I liked is that it stated that these years have re-wired me, and that feels proper. I do really feel like a special model of myself than I’ve been over the previous few years, and I’m desirous to settle in. 

I’m not silly sufficient to count on that astrology alone will repair me — I do know I’ve work to do, too. I haven’t picked a ultimate phrase for the yr but — Pleasure is method forward of the sport (Pleasure the Baker) —  however the one which retains coming to thoughts is “LESS” (and in addition “fewer.” Thanks to the grammar babes who will get this joke). Much less bodily stuff, fewer commitments, much less all the pieces. I need house in my mind, my life, my closet, and my calendar. I’m looking for time for a solo writing retreat within the desert and carve out different occasions to create, write, and be. It’s on me to make it occur. 

Wishing you an exquisite week and sending you a number of love and good vibes, nonetheless your yr has begun. Additionally zoom in on every canine within the photograph above, and determine which one is your temper right now. 

• I’m obsessive about these ladies of their 80s who’ve traveled world wide collectively! I aspire to be 82 and nonetheless exploring. Associated: do you contemplate “outdated woman” a derogatory time period? I don’t, however that could possibly be as a result of I used to be born a 100-year-old girl in spirit, and but, I nonetheless discovered this text thought-provoking. (AFAR, Attract)

• I like lists of guidelines for residing nicely and trendy manners and such. This checklist was enjoyable to learn and I agree with practically each one; nonetheless, I can’t be limiting my guide suggestions to slim volumes below 200 pages. The story takes the pages it takes, thanks! (Substack)

• I haven’t felt emotionally fortified sufficient to observe the documentary “Will and Harper” (about Will Ferrell and his greatest buddy Harper taking a cross-country highway journey after Harper got here out as a trans girl) as a result of I do know with certainty that I can’t cease crying, however I liked this piece about Harper Steele’s matriarchal jewellery. (NYT Present Hyperlink)

• Talking of jewellery and “much less” I’m giving my jewellery wardrobe a little bit overhaul. For a very long time, I favored vivid, chunky earrings. As I ease into my 40s, I need elegant gold jewellery that makes me look refined (although I’m not, haha). I ordered these nap earrings for on a regular basis put on. I hold considering that possibly 41 is simply too outdated for a nostril ring, however I can’t fairly bear to take out the piercing and let it heal, however I did order this dainty little nostril ring as a substitute for the double hoop I’ve worn for years. I additionally obtained this delicate little necklace a number of months in the past and it’s my favourite factor. I solely take it off to bathe. (Maison Miru, Cupcakes and Cashmere)

• Did you even contemplate each potential lived expertise earlier than you recklessly posted your chili recipe in your social media? I understand I’m outdated, however this TikTok won’t ever not make me snigger (and in addition relaxation in peace). (McSweeney’s, TikTok)

• This Altadena Ladies fundraising made me smile. Because of being a center college instructor, I get a front-row seat to how nice teenagers are daily, and I like that youngsters are good and resilient and to see how they’re advocating for themselves. I want we hadn’t created a world the place they need to be so resilient and advocate so regularly. (Instagram)

• Celestial occasions to get your eyes and telescopes prepared for. (Lifehacker) 

• As a teen who had the oiliest pores and skin on earth, I by no means believed I’d attain a time once I needed to take care of DRY SKIN. Alas, the mix of winter and getting old has me eager to climb right into a vat of jojoba oil. Right here’s a information to caring for dry pores and skin from head to toe. My private favorites are the UBeauty Tremendous Hydrator, UBeauty Barrier Bioactive Remedy, and the UBeauty Tremendous Intensive Face Oil for my face (a enjoyable deal with: if you happen to enter “AMYESTES” whenever you take a look at, you’ll get 20% off your first order). I additionally love this foot lotion for light exfoliation, adopted by this super-hydrating cream and sleeping in a single day in these socks. Additionally, ingesting an annoying quantity of water. (TIME, UBeauty, Amazon)

• The extraordinarily offline pleasure of board video games. I’ve been making an attempt to think about methods to get pals collectively with out the strain to “entertain” and a comfortable night time in with video games, chai spiced scorching cocoa, some bite-sized baked brie, possibly some peanut butter balls? Seems like a dream night. We’re large followers of Blockus, Rummikub, Yahtzee! and UNO Assault (which frightens me however is lots of enjoyable). If you happen to keep in on a Friday night time, you possibly can even give it a Swedish title that isn’t hygge. The normal Swedish menu is tacos, popcorn (additionally this sounds unimaginable?, and bitter sweet. I’m all in. (NYT Present Hyperlink, Pleasure the Baker, Bustle, Amazon). 

• File below “stunning artful issues I want I might do”: an embroidery journal and an embroidered guide tracker! The artist sells a package, and I need to admit I’m tempted. I’m planning to file it as an concept and see how I really feel in 2026. (Kottke.org, Instagram, Etsy)

• If you happen to, like me, are in search of methods to dissociate over the world we live in (particularly this week), listed here are 30 books to be enthusiastic about and 40 TV reveals to anticipate. (Vulture, Harper’s Bazaar)

• Substack posts that made me assume this month: “I owe nothing to anybody” is making us lonelier, delinquent items, the friendship downside, the divine discontent. (Substack)