And just like that, January already feels halfway gone. Is anyone else feeling a little panicked? It’s easy to look at the calendar and imagine June arriving in the blink of an eye, but let’s pause for a moment, take a deep breath, and appreciate what the beginning of the year brings: fresh starts, new routines, cleaner eating, and, of course, plenty of citrus.
Here are five small things I loved this week—simple pleasures that make January feel a little brighter.
1. Citrus
Winter citrus is one of my favorite seasonal treats. I’m still smitten with the Citrus and Avocado Salad with Quick-Pickled Fennel I shared earlier this month, and I have another easy citrus-forward dinner planned soon. With Meyer lemons showing up at the market, I’m thinking about baking a batch of Meyer Lemon Ricotta Scones this weekend. Bright, tart, and a perfect pick-me-up on a chilly morning.
2. The Notebook on Broadway
A fun bit of trivia: Ingrid Michaelson and I sang in the same college a cappella group—she joined right after I graduated, so we didn’t perform together. Still, I’m proud of fellow Tonic alumni and thrilled to hear she’s writing the musical adaptation of The Notebook. I can’t wait to see how she brings that romantic story to the stage.
3. Let’s Kondo It!
My current Netflix obsession is Tidying Up with Marie Kondo. The show inspires me to declutter, reorganize, and fold clothes in a way that actually sparks joy. It’s oddly bingeable—part motivational, part practical tips for keeping your space calm and functional. If you haven’t watched it yet, it might just make “Kondo” a verb in your household.
4. Beer
I’ll admit I’m not a beer snob, but I do enjoy learning about how a great beer is made. I watched a fascinating taste test comparing budget and premium beers—it was surprising to hear the expert’s notes and to watch how perception changes with price and presentation. Beer is also a handy ingredient in the kitchen: I love cooking with it. I’m thinking about revisiting Beer Bread Bruschetta with Salami soon, and pairing it with crispy Kimchi Fries sounds like a winning combo.
5. Happy News!
Remember the anticipation of waiting for college acceptance packets in the mail—the thicker the envelope, the better? Now everything arrives by email, but the emotions are the same. I was moved by a video of a teen who was brought to tears upon reading an acceptance email from Harvard. Moments like that remind me how much those milestones still matter, whether they arrive in an envelope or an inbox.
Wishing you a weekend filled with small joys, good food, and moments that make you smile. Embrace the season—sip some citrusy tea, tidy a drawer, or try a new recipe. January still has plenty to offer.