Unpacking: January
A long month, a strong start, and a reminder that balance matters.
Who would have thought we’d get to year two of writing the Unpacking newsletters?! I always like writing these because it forces me to pause and actually process the month instead of just rolling straight into the next one. January had that back to reality energy, where you’re trying to get your life together while life is still doing its own thing. Some parts felt really grounding, some parts felt a bit much, but overall it reminded me that progress isn’t always loud, sometimes it’s just quietly showing up, sticking to your routine more often than not, and learning where you need to protect your time and energy a bit better.
I went into January thinking it would go fast, because that’s how it felt last year. Almost like you blink, and suddenly it’s mid-February and you’re already behind. I had every intention of getting ahead and starting the year properly…not in a dramatic new year, new me way, but just getting back into routine and feeling on top of things again. I was actually excited to get back into the swing of fitness after a heavy December. I didn’t make huge progress in December, but I also didn’t go backwards, so I’ll take that as a win. For me, January has always felt like the month that sets the tone. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about starting as you mean to go on.
Well, January felt like it lasted a year. Honestly, how long has this month been? It’s been busy, but in a productive way, and that’s the kind of busy I actually like. I love getting ahead with work and admin, I know that sounds weird, but it makes me feel satisfied, like I can breathe again.
And can we talk about the weather for a second? This has been the coldest month I can remember in Dubai, and Dubai has been home for so long that I genuinely forget what real winter feels like. We don’t usually get proper winter here, normally it’s just a bit chilly at night and then during the day it’s sunny and perfect. This month my 7am walks with Nico have been freezing. I’ve been layered up like I’m going camping…Uniqlo thermal top, fitted sports zip-up, thick hoodie, thick joggers…and if I went earlier in the morning, I’d throw leggings under everything too.
I also went to a big event this month and bumped into some of the Dubai Bling and Housewives cast. It was actually such a good event and it was nice chatting to them. It’s a reminder that what you see on TV isn’t always real, honestly, it’s rarely real life. People are usually way more normal than they come across on screen, and it’s easy to forget that when you’re watching the edited version.
One of the biggest moments for me this month was Fenty Beauty US signing me on to help launch the new Fine Linez eyeliners globally. My collaborative Instagram video went live in the first week of January (and went viral), and it was such a proud moment, but I obviously couldn’t talk about it properly until it was out. I had a meeting with the Fenty team and we discussed what kind of video would work best for the launch, which I loved, because I’m very particular about content and I like it to feel like me. I’m also really fussy about the brands I work with, not because I’m trying to be difficult, but because I don’t want to promote something I don’t genuinely like. It doesn’t feel right, and I can’t fake it for the life of me. So when I received the pencils late last year, I took my time with them. I wore them, tested them, figured out if they’d actually be something I’d use. And they are genuinely amazing, which made the whole thing feel even better.
It’s also been one of those months where you step back for a second and feel grateful and a lot of gratitude. The fact that I get to do what I love for a living, and that opportunities like this still come my way, makes me feel really thankful.
We also took Nico into the desert for a hike and he absolutely loved it. It was such a nice way to start the year, doing something wholesome and simple. And it’s funny because people think Dubai is only glitz and glam, but there’s so much nature here, so much untouched land, and it’s genuinely beautiful when you’re out in it. Nico even had his first puppaccino and he was obsessed. I’m not making it a regular thing because like any dog mom, I’m also managing his diet like he’s my toddler!
I was invited to a beautiful ladies lunch at Milos, Atlantis Royal hosted by Heather Mills and Erika Doyle. It was a bunch of entrepreneurial ladies with substance and so much fun. I actually didn’t realize what the time was and ended up being late to the gym!
My sessions with my PT Jasmine are going so well. After a relaxed December, getting back into proper training felt so good, and by the end of January, I’m already seeing a bit of shape come through, which makes me so excited. We’re doing a full body recomp, and I honestly can’t wait for another month to go by so I can see more progress. But I’m not going to lie, it’s hard. It’s hard in the way that’s good for you, but it takes motivation. And one shift I’ve made recently is treating my gym sessions like a non-negotiable. I’m not trying to find time anymore. I’m making time. Everything else…even work, has to fit around it, not the other way round.
It was also a bit scary at the start of the month because Jasmine increased my calories, and she knew I’d panic. I was worried I’d gain weight, but the amount I’m lifting now…I can feel how much the extra fuel helps. It’s not just extra food for no reason, it’s supporting the work. She’s also added more mobility work so my form stays strong and I’m not just lifting for the sake of it. Overall, I’m loving it.
I also started making my own granola this month, and I’m officially hooked. It’s so tasty and it lasts for ages, and I love knowing exactly what’s in it instead of buying one that’s full of random extras I don’t need. If you want the recipe, just comment GRANOLA below and I’ll share the recipe on a newsletter.
And I did my first bike ride with hubby, which was actually so fun. He’s a proper cyclist, like the kind that does over 300km a week, so I knew I was going into his world. We did a ride on the desert cycling track and I managed 20km, which I’m proud of, considering we only stopped once. We’ve decided we’re going to make it a regular thing and do a joint bike ride every two weeks. I like the idea of having something active we do together.
The last two weeks of January have been hectic in a way that’s honestly not enjoyable. It’s felt like I’ve had no time for basic things, like responding to WhatsApp messages, which is usually when you know you’re stretched too thin. I genuinely feel like I’m suppressing the flu or something because I can feel my body asking for rest, but I’m not finding the time. So what started as a wholesome, productive month has ended feeling rushed and a bit overworked. And the annoying part is it affects my mood. When I’m stretched like that, I’m not my best self, and I hate that feeling.
I bought the most beautiful earrings from Heaven Mayhem and I’ve had so many questions about them on Instagram. I love when you buy something small like that and it ends up being the thing everyone notices. I also picked up some pieces from OddMuse and they are honestly so beautiful on…but just a note, the sizing on the halter neck top comes up small, so size up if you’re ordering. I bought the maxi skirt and the halter neck top in Black and Taupe and it looks so chic! The skirt sizing is spot on!
Right now I’m on the hunt for a pair of light brown sunglasses. That’s it. That’s the cart. I don’t have some dramatic wishlist this month…I just want a really good pair that works with everything and doesn’t feel too heavy on the face.
Bobby and I went for breakfast at La Maison Ani and Jason Momoa was literally sitting next to us. And he is huge in real life…like, a giant. He’s just as good looking off screen too, which feels unfair but whatever. I think Bobby was more excited than me because he loved him in Chief of War.
And honestly, I don’t really get star struck. I think it’s because you see so many celebrities in Dubai randomly, and also…I can’t imagine it’s nice for them to be hounded when they’re just trying to eat breakfast. Walking up to someone and asking for a picture has never been my thing. I’d rather let them live.
The new Dior Addict Lip Glow Oils are so pretty. Some shades are more opaque, some have a really beautiful shimmer glitter finish, and they’re genuinely hydrating without feeling sticky. I also properly got into self care this month, hydration days in between my tret days, being consistent with my LED mask (you can use a discount code for this: NINAUBHI) again, and I tried the Biodance collagen mask that everyone has been talking about. It’s worth it. The overnight hydration is so good.
I also attended a YSL Beauty event this month and the new lip and cheek products were beautiful. The colors are semi-pastel and vibrant but not too loud, just really wearable, fresh shades that make you look awake.
Traitors US is on fire. I love this show so much. It’s also such a weird way to see what some of these people are like when they’re not acting…although you can tell a few of them are still performing, even when they’re meant to be real. I loved Ron. He seemed like such a nice person and so misunderstood by the others!
Overall, January has been a mix of productive and chaotic, wholesome and slightly too hectic. It didn’t fly by like I expected….it dragged! But I’m also proud of how much I got done. I started the year with work opportunities that reminded me why I do what I do, I got back into training properly, and I made time for small things that made the month feel fuller, like desert hikes and trying new routines. I’m going into February wanting more balance, still productive, still focused, but with a bit more breathing room. Because as much as I love getting ahead, I’m learning that I don’t want to start the year already exhausted.
Until next month…
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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!
Your newsletters have been so on point! My husband and I are GO GO GO and forget about “our time”! We both got so sick with the flu and a cough at the end of December…That’s what happens when you forget to take care of yourselves!
We spent January in Southern California with a week in Palm Springs. (We’re from Just west of Toronto in Oakville). We arrived so sick and run down that we’ve spent the entire month trying to recover. Your reminder to remember to think about our time and what’s important was a great read!!!
Love your book recommendations too… gave your books for Christmas so I can borrow the ones I haven’t read back to read them😈
❤️❤️❤️
Granola