Unpacking: January
Impulsive fashion buys to beauty obsessions, a gripping read, and a less-than-glam London trip - let’s unpack January
Was January the longest month ever? Not for me. I’ve heard everyone talking about how it felt like a never-ending month and how little they got done. Meanwhile, I blinked, and suddenly it’s February. Isn’t it funny how we all rush to get things done in the latter part of December, as if the world is about to wipe out all our projects on January 1st? Like a factory reset. (I’m not going to lie… there have been a few years I wished that would happen.)
January felt like a whirlwind. I mean, I wish it had been slow and steady for me - I kind of wanted to savor the first month of the year… like so many of you clearly managed to do!
Another little goal I’ve set for this year is to bring you a monthly roundup. I want to connect with you all so you feel like you’re not alone. There’s what we expect to happen, and then there’s what actually happens. So, welcome to my monthly unpacking. Let’s go…
I had this vision of January being super productive… early mornings, a balanced routine, smashing through goals, and so much more. I pictured myself effortlessly juggling work, content, beauty projects, workouts, journaling, and still having time to just be in the moment. I wanted to get ahead on projects - maybe even finish a few 👀. I wanted to be in my soft life, productive, energetic, gym girl era - if that even exists. I also planned to revamp The Beauty Breakfast Club, which I’ve been wanting to do for months, and January seemed like the perfect time to finally make it happen.
I know some of you might read this and think I’m crazy for wanting to get so much done, reach goals, and feel a certain way all in month one. But we all have our own measures of success - things we want to start, do, and accomplish. Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you’re being unrealistic. I’ve had that word thrown at me a few times, and honestly, it only strengthens my will. I am realistic… I’m just extremely ambitious and see nothing wrong with setting the bar high.
Am I aware that I might not reach all these goals in one month? Absolutely. Does that stop me from pushing forward and finishing them - even if it takes a little longer? 100%.
Reality check: January had other plans. The motivation was there, but so was the exhaustion from December (why do we all think we’ll wake up on January 1st as brand-new people?). Even though Bobby and I were asleep by 10pm on December 31st, we still felt exhausted on January 1st. Some days, I was on top of it all - filming, writing, creating - but other days, I just wanted to hibernate. The pressure to do was real, but I had to remind myself that it’s okay to ease into the year. I definitely got things done, just not at the superhuman pace I had imagined. And honestly? That’s fine. Not every month needs to be about being so fast paced - sometimes, it's about laying the foundation, and that’s exactly what January was.
One thing I didn’t plan for in January…but pleasantly surprised both of us - was making time to catch up with friends we hadn’t seen in ages. We still have a few more meetups to arrange, but I’m glad we initiated it. When work gets busy, it always feels like you’re trying to fit in friends, but once you actually sit down with them, you’re so glad you made the time.
The latter part of the month took an unexpected turn. My grandfather became very unwell with pneumonia, and within a few days, he passed away. I was incredibly grateful that his memories were intact right until the very end. For a 91 year old, he was (in my husband's words) a warrior. We were rushing to get ahead with filming and scheduling so that we could fly out for the funeral. It was, obviously, a very sad trip, but it was also nice to see so many family members I hadn’t seen in so long.
In case you missed my piece on losing someone…
I stuck to one of my goals (well, I guess we’ll have to wait until the end of the year really) - which was to read one book a month in 2025. I finished The Diary of a CEO, and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a boost in motivation! It actually surprised me because I don’t even like watching or listening to the podcast. Please don’t ask me why…there may be a hint coming up 👀
So, based on that, I didn’t think I’d actually like the book. Maybe it’s because it cuts out all the BS, and you’re reading it in your own voice 🤔. I learned a lot, and if my husband wasn’t planning to read it after me, I would have highlighted half the book. Yes, I’m that person who highlights parts of a book that stand out to me (obviously only self-help or business books). I like knowing I can refer back to those key moments whenever I need them.
Frankie Shop Jolene Semi Sheer Shirt - It takes forever for Frankie Shope to deliver to Dubai so I’m still waiting for this to arrive! I’m hoping it’s not too big.
Isabel Marant Dawi Socks - I don’t actually know why I bought these. I haven’t worn them yet. I’ll make sure I do in February!
Nike Panda Low Dunks - I wasn’t sure on these for such a long time. But then I saw an old picture of Hailey Bieber wearing them with an oversized suit and I loved them. I’ve worn these quite a lot since.
Staple Gun - Needed this for a new piece of artwork I’m working on. So excited to share this with you! Stay tuned next month…hopefully 🤞🏽
Alaia Crystal Leather Mules - These have been in my cart for a while. I’m just so unsure if they’ll suit me. I’m still thinking about these.
Maison Eli Espresso Suede Carry All bag - I’m really tempted with this one. I know the suede trend has been around for ages now, but I absolutely love this bag. It seems pretty big and a nice brown (some browns are a bit too reddish).
Tom Ford Quincy Brown Sunglasses - I love the look of these but I’m unsure if they’d suit me. I’m heading the the mall this weekend to see if they look good…I’ll keep you updated!
First up, the fashion buys I may not have fully thought through. You know that feeling when something looks so good online (or in a perfectly lit dressing room), and then you recieve it in the post and it’s nothing like you imagined…or somehow you’ve made it look bad? I can’t be the only one?? A couple of pieces are currently staring at me, waiting to be justified. Will I return them? Only time will tell.
On the beauty front, I’ve fallen hard for a few new products that actually delivered (rare, I know). Some have already made it to my everyday routine, and others didn’t really lip up to the hype. Details incoming.
And finally, the random life confessions…from underestimating how brutal London in January would be (never again) to my struggle of trying to romanticize January as a whole when, in reality, I’ve spent half of it in loungewear.
Makeup by Mario SurrealSkin Setting Powder - This surprised me. I’m a tough cookie when it comes to setting powder. It actually sets your makeup really well and doesn’t crease up later in the day. It’s okay for baking but I prefer it for dusting on with a brush.
Sunday Riley 5 Stars Retinoid + Niacinimide Eye Serum - My dark circle saviour! I was skeptical about this at first, and even when I finally tried it, I used it wrong - applying it every day (which I’ve now learned is way too much too soon). I gave it another go, this time using it just twice a week, and within four weeks, my dark circles were shockingly lighter. I even asked my YouTube audience if it was just me, and they confirmed - they were definitely much lighter!
Lolavie shampoo and conditioner - I was so excited when I received this beauty PR package in the mail - mainly because the brand was created by none other than the ultimate hair queen, Jennifer Aniston… BUT I also wasn’t sure if I was just fangirling and setting myself up for disappointment. Did I secretly hope it would give me her iconic hair? Kind of. When I tried it, I was so happy that it’s actually good. Ok - I didn’t magically transform into Rachel from Friends (for obvious reasons), but it did give me silky smooth hair… and honestly, that’s close enough for me. Oh, and it makes your hair smell like pineapple - my husband was the one that noticed. Another good sign!
Makeup by Mario Setting Spray - I love this because it transforms your perfectly ‘just done’ matte base into a ‘lived in’ base. You also don’t get huge droplets of it ruining your makeup. I generally don’t rely on setting sprays to ‘set’ my makeup so the only reason I love it, is because it’s an ultra fine mist and adds some glow.
Love Island All Stars - I know it’s trash tv but it’s the only trash tv I love! We’ve only been watching Love Island from around season 8 or 9 and I have no interest in binge watching from season 1 (seriously…who has the time?!). I don’t actually know who I want to win - I do know that I love how entertaining Ekin Su is - who doesn’t love a bit of drama?
Lioness Special Ops - OMG. I love this show. It's action packed with women kicking ass and just everything you’d want from a show. Watch it.
The Beauty Breakfast Table: Why Is Everyone So Skinny All of a Sudden?
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If you want to read about anything specific, feel free to leave a comment - I’d love a bit of inspo from you!