Oh, January! You always feel like the longest month imaginable, but I’d never complain about it. You’re so full of post-holiday magic, birthday celebrations, snowy weather (where I live, at least!) and a much-needed sense of hope and optimism for the months/year ahead. I adore you- and I especially adored January of 2024! And, as is tradition at the end of every month here on ‘Coffee & Chiffon‘- let me share all the reasons why!
I kicked off the month (and 2024) with a cozy couple of days in Boston, where I welcomed the new year with great food, beautiful scenery, and satin pajamas in a cozy hotel bed in what was a long overdue “Staycation” in the city- something I highly recommend to those who were feeling burnt out the way that I did by the end of the holidays and weren’t up for traveling or crowds!
Days later, right on cue, New England had our first significant snowfall of the season- which happened to fall on my dear friend Sean’s birthday (also on cue, evidently. He gets snow every single year!) That didn’t stop us from celebrating him for an extended couple of days, of course. There was cake and video games- and that’s all any of us really needed while we waited for the storm to pass so we could dig our cars out to head home!
During the days when it wasn’t snowing/sleeting all over Massachusetts, I discovered a new favorite coffee shop and participated in some belated-Christmas get-togethers with my family and friends that had been pushed out a couple of weeks due to various illnesses and scheduling conflicts.
Near the end of the month, my own birthday unexpectedly became a weekend-long affair, as well- with dinners at one of my favorite restaurants in Westminster and a rooftop brunch within a heated igloo in Seaport. I was beyond grateful and so moved by everyone’s generosity and kindness- and I still am, truly!
And when I wasn’t sharing some recipes and outfits I’ve been getting repeat wear out of this month, I offered a glimpse into my annual Winter makeup collection and celebrated the Pantone Color of the Year choice– as is tradition each January!
And with all the plans, excitement and local travel in these recent weeks, I also talked about how I take some time during the colder months to practice self-care so that I don’t get overwhelmed or exhausted. It’s something I hope that I can continue to actively perform as 2024 moves forward because of how important it is from time to time.
And now, with this month just about over- it’s time to look ahead to February (and it’s a leap year this time around!) Troy flew in last night for an extended stay in the Northeast, so I’m sure the beginning of the month will be filled with some travel and adventures in-between work and prior commitments. There’s Valentine’s Day, a few birthdays for loved ones, and plenty more recipes and pieces from my wardrobe to share, too!
But for the time being, here’s a toast to January 2024 and to February being just as fun and filled with wonderful moments and memories!
xo
Coffee & Chiffon 