January felt extra long this year—and honestly, I think it’s because we came in hot with a packed calendar. But we did one very smart thing: we gave ourselves something to look forward to—a break from the cold.
This trip had been half-planned for a while, just waiting for the stars (aka our work schedules) to align. And somehow, we nailed it. We truly picked the best possible week to be in Disney. While the Northeast was buried under a major snowstorm, we were soaking up sunshine and 90-degree days, pretending winter didn’t exist.
Getting back to Philly, however, was a different story. Two full days of cancelled and delayed flights later, we finally landed—and wow. Walking off the plane into single-digit temperatures was a very clear signal that vacation mode was officially over.
Starting February snowed in was not how I pictured the month kicking off, but I’m slowly accepting that this snow (which is absolutely not melting anytime soon) is just part of life right now. So while I look outside at snow plows still trying to figure out where to put all of this snow, let’s rewind and recap the past month.
WATCHING.
Heated Rivalry. Duhhhh! Also binged All Her Fault and texted my husband the whole time saying that if he talks to me like the husbands in the show, it would also be all my fault LOL
Back to work….
hard to jump back into after a relaxing Winter Break!
Got rid of a lot of clutter! In an effort to really manifest that soft life goal this year, I’ve been very intentional about having a more minimalistic life. I encourage you this week to pick a space in your house that gives you anxiety and be ruthless! I feel so much better after I donated a lot of stuff that I had that I haven’t used in years.
I wasn’t planning on writing a resolutions post this year like I usually do. I have so many intentions for this season of life, but none of them felt like they could be wrapped up neatly into one word. Last year, I chose peace, and when I reread that post recently, it stopped me in my tracks.
One of my favorite things about a new year is the perspective it gives you. In the moment, it’s easy to feel stuck or like nothing is really changing—but a year later, you can see just how much growth was happening quietly in the background. At the beginning of last year, if I’m being honest, I felt a little scared. I knew I needed change, but I had no idea what that was supposed to look like.
Looking back now, it’s wild to realize how much unfolded. Almost everything I hoped for in 2025 actually happened. I fell back in love with reading. I gave myself permission to spend time alone and truly rest. I said yes to plans with friends—and we traveled a lot. When I sat down to make a year-in-review TikTok, I couldn’t even fit everything into one short video.
“New year, new me” is such a cliché, but the truth is—I really like who I am right now. Slowing down, letting go of pressure, and choosing to actually enjoy my life changed more than I expected. And as I step into this new year, that feeling is something I want to hold onto.
Choosing a word for the year sets the tone and direction of where I want to go. Last year when I chose the word peace, it honestly helped shape so much of my year: slowing down, boundaries, saying “no”, choosing to invest time in what really matters, and leaning into calm when I could find it. So what word for this year?
Soft Life
Okay, so like technically it’s two words, but hear me out! For me, soft life isn’t about being fragile or avoiding responsibility. It’s about choosing ease, intention, comfort, and joy over pressure and noise. It’s about building a life that feels good while you’re living it, not just feels good when you pause to look back. Last year, my nighttime routine became my favorite part of the day. At a certain time each night, I showered, did my skincare, put on comfy pajamas and got into bed with a book. I read a lot last year. More than 50 books and it became my favorite part of the day – to forget about the world and live in a fantasy one.
I’ve always believed that home, routines, and little rituals shape how we feel — like choosing warm lighting instead of harsh overhead lights, keeping cozy blankets within reach, or making sure your space feels restful instead of cluttered. Those intentional choices rippled into how I lived last year and how I want to live this year, too. I kept our home cozy and clean, so when we were home, we really could enjoy it. I also have been on a deep cleaning and purging journey this past year, and we got rid of so much clutter.
This year, I am looking forward to:
Slow mornings with coffee and a book or coffee
Using candles for lighting instead of overhead lighting
A home that feels cozy
Prioritizing rest without feeling guilty
Move slower because we don’t need to rush
Use the good things now and not save for a special occasion
A social calendar that doesn’t feel overwhelming
Reading books to get lost in a fantasy world
Weekends with nothing to do
Move my body more
Continue eating only whole foods
Romanticise the ordinary moments
Say no more
Why This Word Now
Last year taught me that peace isn’t just a moment — it’s a practice. And this year, I want that practice to stretch into how I organize my space, spend my time, care for my body, and show up for the people I love.
I want to romanticize the ordinary — making simple things feel meaningful. I want to turn down the noise and enjoy the small, quiet wins: afternoon coffee in a sunny spot, evenings lighting a scented candle after a long day, and showing up fully for the people who matter.
Here’s to a Soft 2026
Choosing Soft Life isn’t a one-and-done intention — it’s a gentle invitation to live life with more grace, more ease, and more presence. It’s about giving ourselves the permission to enjoy the moment we’re in — not just the moments we’re waiting for.
So here’s to a soft year — soft mornings soft routines and soft hearts.
Blonde Rosie Blog 