On Hibernating
And making the best of it :)
We’re starting the new year in full-on freezing hibernation mode in Connecticut, so it’s time to get organized. I’ve been making some small upgrades around my house and taking note of my favorite purchases from 2025 that didn’t break the bank.
Some Favorites from 2025
I put Bricks in the adults’ stockings for Christmas and have been using mine every day to cure my Instagram habit. The clock that shows you how much time you’ve spent off of your favorite apps is the little boost you need to keep going, and it has made me much more thoughtful about how I’m spending my “unbricked” time on my phone.
Cute winter boots that keep you warm are kind of a taller order. I keep reaching for these Penelope Chilvers boots that fit the bill. And they are on sale!
I reread my Best Year Journal from January of 2025 over the weekend. There is so much to be learned from a written snapshot of the past. I don’t often take the time to look back on my notes, so having a specific journal for this helps to direct me to do it in the new year.
I was on the hunt for a good side sleeper pillow and my friend recommended The Pillow Bar to me. I love the process of designing your pillow on their website. It has been a game changer for my husband and me. If you have a snorer, get him one of these. I reached out to them and they offered you guys a one-time code, MCKENNA10, for 10% off of your order until February 15th :)
Without realizing it I started collecting symbolic accessories for my desk and bedside this year: a cloisonné snail from Tangier, citrine paperweights from Creel & Gow, a set of handmade dice. I like having these visual cues to slow down, be grateful, and let a little chance into my life.
I know this sounds silly and is a bit of an eyesore, but my kids and I love this towel heater. It is the only way I’m getting them out of a hot tub or shower in the depths of winter.
These paper plates came in handy a couple of times over the holidays.
A Few Upgrades
These are my longtime favorite photo frames that I buy on repeat for my house.
We needed a little refresh in our kitchen after the holidays so I bought this drying rack and pad.
I found myself bookmarking a lot of salad recipes to try, so I upgraded my salad spinner and my mandoline. I also love this dressing shaker.
I’m trying to take some time to myself to slow down every day this year, so I picked up this 5 Minute Journal and a physical copy of The Daily Stoic. I’m keeping them in my car and taking 15 minutes between school drop-off and getting to my desk to try to be intentional with my day.
This Hatch alarm clock (which I think I originally found through Nan Philip!) is really helping on dark January mornings. I might’ve snoozed it a few times since I got it last week, but we are making progress!
I just ordered these jars to replace plastic containers for freezing homemade broth and soup. They store a generous single serving of soup.
My kids got a lot of puzzles, legos and toys with small parts for Christmas, so I ordered clear organizing bags (small and large) to try to keep all of the pieces together and encourage them to reach for them in the playroom closet.
The boys have marble jars at school, so I decided to order vintage-style marbles and a jar to encourage good behavior at home as well. I’m hoping this experiment yields better manners at the dinner table, among other things :)
The annual closet purge commences soon. I bought these sweater dividers to try to give a little visual structure to my shelves this year.
Do you have any favorite buys from this year or upgrades for 2026 that we should know about?!
xx Lilse
That playroom is a dream💕👏
We also got a towel warmer and it reminds me of when my mom used to lay my clothes on the radiator in my bedroom. So nice! Also I love the color of the walls in your living room if you could ever share in one of your future paint posts!