Here we are now in 2023…last year went by fast didn’t it? It was an interesting year certainly, and I can definitely say I am excited about the fresh start of the new year. As much fun as the holidays are after a certain point I crave the organization and the routine (and a sugar detox!) that comes with January.
I was planning to share a post about organization this week, because that is what we typically do in January, but then I also wanted to share some healthy-living thoughts as that is also a big theme at this time of year. Then, there are house renovation updates as well as some other things I want to touch on that are coming up on this blog–therefore today’s post is “The January Edit”, and it encompasses all the things…. maybe this will turn into a monthly thing? Time will tell.
The photos is this post are from our last home because I still don’t have new kitchen photos to share, though our renovation wrapped up just in time for the holidays. I still have one small but obvious piece of cabinet missing (that would be glaring in any photos) so I just have to wait a bit longer to get photos and share that entire room. It came out great, there were a few hiccups of course, but all in all the space is completely transformed and is definitely my favorite space in the entire house now. Fingers crossed my next post will be the full kitchen reveal!
On to new year, new you…is anyone else on the getting healthy bandwagon this new year? My goals are probably a little different than most, as I was half- dismayed and half-relieved to hear that my (new) integrative health doctor thinks that I should retreat for lyme disease. I actually learned this last fall but procrastinated dealing with it until after the holidays. It’s often not an easy treatment (lyme die-off and detox can be brutal, you can read more in my initial Lyme post here). However, I also was relieved because I have known for awhile I wasn’t feeling 100% and to be honest, I am tired of feeling not so great! Hopefully this will help. I am ready to get on with it and have cleared just about everything from my schedule to focus on treating it over the next few weeks. I also wanted to get myself as healthy as I can ahead of the treatment (well, best as I could right after the holidays!). I have been increasing my plant intake, preparing and drinking bone broth and using my portable sauna just to name a few proactive things. I know this personal/health-related stuff isn’t typically what we talk about on this blog, I do apologize, but I also think after all these years those of you who are still stopping often appreciate life details as much as our home decor. I do promise not to spend too much time on this, though for those of you interested in health-related topics I am thinking about sharing more on our Instagram page about healthy eating and other lifestyle choices, it is important stuff.
Sidenote: I just ordered my annual Day Designer day planner (I use an undated one and fill it in, it is currently on sale!). I have tried so many planners over the years but this is the one that works for me as it allows me to keep a daily to-do list along with events so it really helps me stay on track.
This photo above is from my post on menu planning, something that over the years I have learned is one of those things that really helps on busy weekdays. For the last, I don’t know, two years I have been thinking about sharing a meal planning product here and I have finally decided a good way to develop it. More details to come but hopefully I will have that up and running by the end of the month.
On to organization… I shared this Elfa door system in our weekly Sunday newsletter and this is such and easy way to organize a closet and add storage space. It kept all our cleaning products at arms reach in our cleaning closet in our last mudroom. I was able to repurpose the same shelves for this house to do something similar in our laundry room too, it frees up so much cabinet space. You can get a door system for 30% off right now here.
Another easy and rewarding project is to overhaul your spice drawer. There is something calming about having the same size bottles and nice labels and they fit nicely into a drawer. You can read this entire post here.
Finally, goals…I really need to clean out my closet, that is one big project on my to-do list later this winter. I miss this space I had in our last home, I even wallpapered it with temporary cherry blossom wallpaper since it was all mine. My husband and I now share a closet so sadly, I don’t think that will happen again!
If you need something to do to stave off the winter blues, I recommend challenging yourself with a DIY project. One of the home projects I am most proud of was the powder room in our last home. I added molding and hung the wallpaper (all by myself!), I loved how it turned out. There are a ton of beautiful wallpapers on sale right now here if you need a reason to tackle a similar project. I am currently trying to select one for our powder room in this home, it’s hard to pick from all the beautiful patterns.
Well, with that I wish you all a great start to 2023. I am really looking forward to sharing more with you all over the next few months, and as always thank you for taking time out of your day to visit.
XO,
Please visit my Health and Wellness website 11MLWellness here.
Amanda says
AMY and CHRISTY,
Thank you for every post. I love them all, from home decor to healthy living. I have followed your blog for many years and consider your advise and opinion on everything from paint colors to the most fabulous pajamas. You are a trusted source from everything of faith to the beautiful souroundings that you create for your families. I love to hear of new houses and spaces, to the countries that Christy has been able to explore. (THANK YOU to you and your husband and family for your service!) GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES!!
June says
The gold bookcase in your office photo above looks like exactly what I am looking for! Can you please provide sourcing information?
Amy says
I emailed you directly but here is the link so it’s in the post comments. You can find one here.