Feeling a little cliché as I write this, but there’s no time like a new year for a clean slate–to restart and reimagine.
With that, happy new year, and happy 2026!
There has been this overall feeling in the air that we are all collectively ready to put whatever 2025 was behind us, and embrace everything this new year has in store. I’m not one for astrology myself, but I can’t help but buy into the “Fire Horse Year” energy coming our way. It’s said to be a year of transformation, forward movement, bold action and adventure.
I know that personally, I could use a bit more of that in my life.
I am someone that craves new beginnings–new adventures. A chance to start fresh. It might be the reason why I’ve moved more times than I can count. This January is the first in some time I haven’t found myself packing up for a new adventure ahead.
Sitting in the stillness of that realization felt stale rather than settled. This isn’t to say there isn’t a move in my future eventually, but what I need for now is to reinvigorate the parts of my life that are feeling stagnet.
And with that–I decided to breathe new life back into this Substack, into my home, and how I show up online.
If you have stuck around and were excited to see a new post pop up in your inbox, I sincerely thank you for being here. The last few years have been some of the most transformative and introspective–at times causing me to shrink back into my shell. I couldn’t be more thankful for those who have continued to follow along patiently through my times of healing and growth.
Cheers to a new year–I have a feeling it’s going to be a good one!
xx, Marianne
Bookmarks…
A few recent thoughts/saves to share—
I might be the last to say this—but the Jenni Kayne Cooper Cardigan is well worth the hype! It’s rare I’ll say that about a sweater that could rival a car payment… much of the reason it’s sat on my wishlist for years. I was recently gifted it from the brand and oh my. The silhouette, the fabric weight—perfection. I’ve been reaching for it non-stop since receiving. If you’re looking to treat yourself or invest in practical basics this year, I couldn’t recommend more! I got it in Taupe and I think it’ll be the ideal year-round color.
I’m craving getting off technology and going “analog” this year. I’ve always been a big notebooks/planner gal—there’s something more fulfilling about putting pen to paper and checking tasks off. I just restocked my favorite planner for 2026 and have this on order for day-to-day note-taking and brainstorming.
Speaking of offline—this is the year I allow myself to dive back into hobbies. I recently went down a graphic design rabbit hole on Pinterest, and couldn’t remember the last time I let myself get lost in creativity. It inspired an entire website redesign and sparked a few other crafty ideas. I have a canvas calling my name this weekend…
I did a significant living room refresh right before new year’s—I was craving a more calm and airy space—and pulled back out my beloved tapestry pillows. It sent me on the hunt from some wallet-friendly alternatives and surprisingly found such a good selection here—I’m torn between this one and this one!
As part of my living room refresh, I replaced my cabinet pulls with these polished nickel knobs—you’d never believe the price for how elevated they look! Here’s a sneak peek…
A new Oak Essentials obsession: the Awaken Body Wash. The scent is so invigorating—a blend of lavender and cedarwood, and it feels so luxurious and silky smooth. I also grabbed the Luminous Body Lotion with Blue Tansy for post-shower hydration (love).
During a recent trip to Rhinebeck, I fell in love with a new favorite cafe named Little Goat. Not only has it inspired an entire kitchen remodel for a future home I even don’t own, but it reignited my love of beautiful ceramics. The cafe owner’s personal ceramics collection is on display throughout the shop, and each platter brought to the table was more beautiful than the last. I tracked down some of the exact dinnerware pieces they use, and am looking forward to building a mini-collection of my own.
And lastly, just a psa that potted hyacinths are back at Trader Joe’s! I have one in full bloom on my desk right now and it smells heavenly.
