January 2025: things I did, bought and read
I know, it has been a while (or not, if you forgot you were subscribed to my newsletter!). I’ve been unmotivated to write about nutrition-related topics because, as I think I’ve alluded to before, I have been a bit frustrated with the profession. In the meantime, I thought I’d try some different types of topics that I always enjoy reading about, and that is random lifestyle/wellness/culture sort of things. I find these types of posts are sort of a nice escape from the world that we’re currently living in, and January was… not great. I fully recognize the disaster that is everything around us, and I’m still going to talk about the more surface level things I’ve been into lately that bring me joy because honestly, it’s a useful self care tool at the moment (and I encourage you to do the same if it’s helpful!).
Things I did in January
Went to a fancy wedding
My co-worker and good friend got married at the beginning of the month and it was absolutely gorgeous. I had never been to an event at Cipriani (25) before, and it was stunning. I stayed up until midnight, tried Rent the Runway for the first time, and the very on-trend shade of chocolate brown. All were well worth it.
Cooked a lot of soup
I like for January to be a chill month in which I can hibernate and make soups. Along with my tried and true chicken/rice and sausage minestrone soups, I tried these new recipes, which were both fantastic:
Lemony Greek Chicken, Spinach and Potato Stew (New York Times, gift link)
Chicken and Red Lentil Soup with Lemony Yogurt (New York Times, gift link. I added carrots, celery and lots of chopped kale to this for some more veg, and used chicken broth instead of water)
Went to the ballet
My husband caught a (man) cold towards the end of the month, and in an effort to get out of the apartment on a Saturday I bought a matinee ticket to the ballet. It was so lucky that the NYC Ballet has a WONDERFUL Winter 2025 program. I saw All Balanchine 1, which was three separate dances and such a great way to see almost all of the female principle dancers of whom I am a big fan of.
Got my annual mammogram and ultrasound
If you’re anything like me, tests like these are quite anxiety-producing (all is well, though). Since I started getting mammograms at 39 I have always gotten an ultrasound at the same time because I have very dense breast tissue. My advice to you: know if you have dense breast tissue and advocate for an ultrasound along with your mammo if you do, as the mammo may not detect everything it should. If your doctor balks at this, ask them to document their refusal in your medical chart (that is usually enough to change their minds).
Things I bought in January
Honestly, not a lot. After the holidays I have had some spending fatigue and disinterest in shopping. However, a few notables:
Dyson V8 Absolute cordless vacuum cleaner - a post-holiday sale that could not be passed up, and it’s really bringing out my inner Monica Gellar because I love it so much.
Biologique Recherche Creme Elastine - a replenishment purchase as I’ve been using this as a night creme for the past several months and love it. Like most Biologique products, it smells terrible, but works really well at reducing fine lines and overall redness, and is quite hydrating without being greasy. I recently saw that Biologique’s P50 1970 toner is being discontinued in the U.S. so if you’re also a fan, now is the time to stock up.
Painterland Sisters organic yogurt - the most delicious yogurt I’ve ever tasted, hands down. Likely due to it’s 6% milkfat (so creamy!), and thoughtful flavors (not too high in sugar!). In my neighborhood, it’s only sold at a small, “healthy” grocery store on 72nd street, and I am obsessed.
Things I read in January
Long Island Compromise - I LOVED this book. Quirky and interesting and tragic, not unlike her first novel, Fleishman is in Trouble.
Be Ready When the Luck Happens - Ina Garten’s memoir, which finally became available from my hold list at the NYPL. I love Ina and her passion for cooking and hosting. It was especially nice to read about a woman who made the (very difficult) decision not to have children, and how full her life is.
The God of the Woods - this was on Obama’s summer reading list! It was so engaging and I could not put it down.
All Fours - I know there is a lot of hype around this book, but I really disliked it. Sorry, not sorry.
That’s all I’ve got for now! Take good care :).