January 2025 Wrap-Up

Did 2025 have the worst beginning ever or what? And it seems to be spiraling towards the ground at a dizzying pace. Part of me wants to totally check out, but the other part of me knows I need to pay attention. I also refuse to be held hostage by the crazy that pops off every single day. I plan to focus on the things that are important to me: my faith, my family and community, and free and open access to information in all of its forms. I will protect my peace and I’d advise you to do the same. We cannot allow ourselves to become overwhelmed or complacent, neither serves a purpose.

WHAT I ACCOMPLISHED

I was able to check two things off my 2025 Vision Board Bingo card and, y’all, I’m pretty happy. I started exercising 3 times per week — I’ve even managed to use my Peloton first thing in the morning, rather than trying to trick myself into believing I’ll get on it after work. That being said, I didn’t lose any weight this month. *womp womp* I’m OK, but not OK with that. It’ll happen in time. And, if nothing else, my heart is getting healthier. Silver lining, right?

I also managed to learn several new Canva skills that I’ve already implemented. The first one I learned was how to get pictures to show through my lettering on graphics. I’d like to expand my newly acquired skills to include short-form video editing. Now that Tik Tok has fallen into the hands of that man, I have to find a new place for tutorials. *sigh* The second trick I learned was how to use the guidelines to ensure that all of my elements are lined up evenly across the graphic. For years, I’ve been eyeballing it. Not good. Especially when your graphics are monitors in the school lobby. LOL

WHAT I WORE

I’ve been feeling the whole blazer over everything look lately, which is funny because I’ve never been a blazer girl. I think what’s appealing to me is the way blazers add structure, pops of color, and warmth.

Tights have always been my jam, but living in Louisiana doesn’t provide much opportunity for their wear. That all changed this week with a serious drop in temps.

This has been one of my favorite outfits since forever. There’s just so much interest in the front and back.

Invest in a fun denim jacket. And a pair of funky socks. Both will change your look and just make you incredibly happy.

WHAT I READ

I managed to finish two books last month {All the Missing Pieces by Catherine Cowles and Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez}, neither of which I’ve reviewed. Yet. Somehow, the month managed to get past me. I did, however, share my book rating system, which I wanted to share before I posted my reviews.

IT’S YOUR TURN

How was your January? Did you accomplish any of your goals?

BOOKISH THINGS

Bookshop.org – Shop for books selected by me, for you!

NetGalley Professional Reader – I receive free ARCs from NetGalley to review on my blog and share on Instagram.

The StoryGraph – A reading app that shares all the nerdy details of my bookish life.

THANK YOU

Thank you for stopping by my blog. I hope you enjoyed this post and learned something new. If you like what you read, please consider sharing this post on Facebook or Pinterest. While I pay for many of the items I share on this blog out of my own pocket, some items are gifted to me {I always disclose those items}.

Come back soon,

 

 

 

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AFFILIATE INFORMATION

As the blogger and photographer behind Living Outside the Stacks, I independently select and write about stuff I love and things I think you’ll enjoy too. Living Outside the Stacks has affiliate and advertising partnerships so I get revenue from sharing this content and from your purchase. Thank you for your support.

Reading and reviewing books brings me a great deal of happiness. If you’re a reader, I’d love for you to visit my online bookstore, Living Outside the Stacks, to make your purchase. If you purchase from my shop, I’ll receive a small commission and you’ll also support indie bookstores. If you need help staying organized, but want to keep it pretty, I invite you to give Artful Agenda a try. It’s a digital planner inspired by paper planners. Use my code: RD1191716. Artful Agenda connects effortlessly to your Google and Outlook calendars and works across devices.