Gentle January Favorites
On resolution culture, setting up for the year ahead, and what I have my eye on in 2026
Shitters! I feel like the internet has split into two very different camps lately. The first is all about resolutions, all about optimizing, and is embracing January with the force of 1000 suns. The second treats resolution like a dirty word—like it’s become patently uncool to use the New Year’s obvious invitation to try to change things about your life, or, God forbid, yourself.
Don’t get me wrong—opting out of resolutions can be a good thing. At its best, it’s a release from additional, unwanted pressure in lives that are already full of it. Pressure that, until recently, almost always found its way back to physical appearance (maybe it still does). But the wholesale rejection of resolution culture feels wrong too.
It’s ok (more than, actually!) to want to change your life. And it’s not silly or stupid or wrong to use a new year to start doing it. It’s also ok to not want that. To opt out of the pressure—to do your thing, regardless of the date on the calendar (or make a change whenever you feel like it!). But what’s less ok is ridicule or resent people in the opposite camp—who are trying or don’t want to try while you choose differently.
Maybe this is a bit “Carrie Bradshaw pontificating to no one” for you, but it’s something I’ve been seeing a decent bit of online, and thinking about as I get honest about what I want this year.
Truth be told, I want 2026 to be a big year. I have ambitious goals for myself and my business, and real changes I that I want to make stick in my daily life! And despite the fact that the first week of 2026 did not go quite the way I hoped (it seems like it was a universally sluggish and frustrating week all around?), I’m still hopeful for everything to come.
Resolutions or not, I’m wishing you all a big new year ahead!
Gentle January Favorites
Even though I’m feeling energized, January still feels like a gentle season to me. Here’s how I’m resetting post-holidays and setting myself up for the year ahead:
Writing out goals. It doesn’t have to be an elaborate practice—five minutes with a pen and a piece of paper about something you want to improve is all you need. Some of mine: More consistent sleep/wake times, filling downtime with more reading instead of scrolling, and running on time for a change!
Upping my protein, but not in a crazy way. Look, I’m trying to get more in where I can, but not at the expense of taste/joy/sanity. My favorite new addition is this bone broth in afternoon (I prefer the beef, but there’s a chicken version too, and they come in packets for the office). It’s satiating and nicely seasoned, but never makes me feel stuffed, and in the attempts to reset my holiday-addled sweet tooth, it feels like a strong reinforcement.
Cleaning up/out. Tis the season to donate/ sell/ get rid of your shit!!! (This is also why it’s the best time of year to shop secondhand, which is technically the opposite, but you’re allowed to do it as a treat afterwards!) TheRealReal picked up three bags of things from my apartment last week and it felt like a 100 lb weight had simultaneously been lifted from my closet and my shoulders—highly recommend! If you have the time/energy to do it, I feel like a fucking ENTREPRENEUR every time I log into Poshmark. And now’s also a great time for a home deep clean (do yourself the favor and call in a professional).
Bricking. In case you haven’t noticed, there’s a war for our attention, and the phones have us beat BAD. This is THE device of 2026 already for good reason.
Little organizers. I tend to pause on my clothes/shoes shopping this time of year to focus on home, organization, and things that just make life a little smoother in the long run. Recent additions include this darling organizer for all of your important household documents (birth certificates, medical records, car titles, insurance info, etc.). Hate to bring it up, but I started thinking about this stuff much more seriously after the LA fires last year. Especially if your household is more than just you, it’s worth taking the time to get this all together. On the more lighthearted side, I’m taking this little leather pouch rec from my friend Madison Snider Podpirka for transferring my AirPods, Eadem, and a hair clip/tie between bags, and I added another one of these capsules to my collection for my allergy pills (PRIYANKA15).
Walking. It’s a simple one, but when it’s cold out, it’s easy to skip out on this, which tends to make me feel restless. I started carving 30 minutes to hop on a treadmill and walk while I read on my iPad. It makes me feel so much better/ clear-headed during the day, AND it’s helping me read more already!
Sipping the tea. And not just the kind about celebrity mom groups!!! (Though the DMs are OPEN if care to discuss…). This one by Doctor Stolberg is the new cool girl on the block. The cumin and coriander are more savory than your typical herbal blends, but I like it, especially after a big meal. Speaking of, I had dinners at CHADA and Musaafer recently (via Madeline Marcella’s recs!). Both were insanely good (if you’re in NYC, highly recommend!), but very rich—I was happy to come home to this after!
Bathtime! I started getting jealous of little kids and their nightly baths! I know it sounds elaborate, but it’s a five minute set up for what’s become one of my favorite ways to unwind. In terms of products, Susanne Kaufmann is running laps around everyone else (PRIYANKA20). Her alpine botanical bath oil was my OG favorite, but this fragrant bath powder is even better! I’ll admit the name didn’t exactly draw me in, but it smells SO good—fresh with a touch of sweetness—and the ingredients are so soothing on dry winter skin.
And while you’re here, some sale picks! Sale is on extra sale at Shopbop! I’d wear this Bernadette dress with sandals and a slickback if I were heading somewhere warm, and it’s not a bad time to save on jackets and boots either. If you’re doing Dry January (or just want to have mocktails on hand—never a bad idea), this newer flavor from Ghia is hands down my favorite. I haven’t seen it in stores yet, but they did extend our code (PRIYANKA25) for a sweet little discount online. And this runner continues to be one of the most popular things I’ve ever shared?!?! Who knew! (PRIYANKA15)
Priority Purchases for the Year Ahead:
One small thing I did ahead in anticipation of the new year was identify a few key purchase areas I’m prioritizing this year. I think of it as a part of financial planning (one of the more fun parts, IMO!).