It's the first favorite things roundup post of 2026! This is a post I do at the end of each month sharing the things that I found joy in throughout the month as well as the things I shared that were most popular with you guys.
Whew. January was a rough one, y'all. I'm not sure if I've ever been this glad to see a month end. From jury duty pretty much blowing up my plans for the month, Alexis (and now my parents) getting the flu, and a difficult, frustrating month of school, it has honestly been pretty difficult to find the good this month.
But I am a firm believer in focusing on the good over the bad, so here are some things that went well this month.
We had a snow day this month. It was absolutely nothing like last year, and we didn't do more than look this year since Alexis had the flu at the time, but snow is always magical in our neck of the woods, even if it melts by lunch.
While school this month was overall pretty frustrating, for a number of reasons not all having to do with hormonal middle school students who sometimes forget that they aren't adults, there have been some things worth remembering. For example, one of the days I had jury duty I left this Dragon Story Writing Challenge for my students to complete; I just read them this week, and it was a nice reminder that they can be creative.
Also this month, I decided to do a detective mystery exercise to kick off my argumentative writing unit, and it went well in all of my classes. I divided students into teams, gave them a folder of evidence and a suspect list, and then they had to find motives and alibis for each suspect. My gifted/talented class created evidence boards as part of their enrichment. It was honestly a lot of fun, and I wish I had been able to spend more class days on this activity with all of my classes.
There really wasn't a lot going on in my personal life this month. Or at least nothing that I want to share here. The biggest thing of note was jury duty, which I neither can nor want to talk about in depth. Just know that it was a frustrating process right up until I was finally chosen and that the trial I served on was not a fun one.
Okay, that about sums up the month. On to the favorites! Mine are pretty standard, but yours were a bit weird. Despite being deep into winter, apparently you all have spring break and/or summer on the brain. Several pairs of sandals, linen pants, and summer tops made the top 10 in terms of popularity, but because they are all no longer available (some for several years now), I decided not to include them in the actual list. Instead, I did the top 10 most popular items that are still available.
My Favorites
None of This is True by Lisa Jewell -- This book was a wild ride that got me through jury duty. It's about a podcaster who meets a woman that shares her birthday and lets her convince her to do a new series featuring her. Her birthday twin, however, has some serious issues.
The Restoration Garden by Sara Blaydes -- This was my January book club pick, and I enjoyed it quite a lot. It was not what I was expecting -- in a good way! It's a dual timeline historical fiction novel set during World War II and present day.
Get the Message by The Paradox -- I really like this band and frequently have this song stuck in my head. Not only is it catchy, but the lyrics are good. Not to mention this is a new punk rock band, which is exciting.
I KINDA LIKE THAT by LAUNDRY DAY -- Is this a repeat from December?! Yes! This song is still living rent free in my head this month. I get excited when it comes on the radio, dance like an idiot in the car to it, and am pretty much constantly humming it or singing it under my breath.
Green Crochet Sweater Outfit -- I was unnecessarily cautious of this outfit when I first styled it. I was worried that it just didn't work, but I'm glad that I didn't let myself change into something safer. This turned out to be one of my favorite outfits from the month. Of course, the fact that other people complimented the look helped to boost my confidence. Most specifically wanted to know where the sweater came from, and I was only too happy to share. So this is my reminder to myself to confidently wear what feels good in the moment.
Blue Moth Skirt + Floral Shirt Outfit -- I unintentionally bought the same skirt in three different colors, with one being a different material, but I'm honestly not mad about it. I am having so much fun styling them, and I love the whimsy. This outfit just clicked. My trick for mixing prints with confidence is to match a specific color. In the case of this one, it's the blue. I do have a belt to add some separation between the prints; you just can't see it because I'm sitting in the picture.
Patchwork Skirt Layered Outfit -- I think this might actually be my favorite outfit of the month. I had so much fun styling this one, and I was genuinely comfortable and at ease in it all day long. It's made up of some of my most favorite pieces, and it just works for me.
Medallion Belt Outfit -- This outfit was all about the belt, which I almost gave its own entry on this list, but I've actually only worn it the one time since I bought it, so it didn't feel appropriate, and I really do love this whole look. It took me right back to the early 2000s when the boho trend was all the rage. It was probably my favorite trend to have lived through, and I love that it's having a bit of a resurgence right now.
Sweater Socks -- These socks are not new, but they are my most-worn socks this month and quite honestly my favorite winter socks. They're warm but not so thick as to be uncomfortable inside my boots. I seriously can't recommend them enough.
Brown Lace-Up Boots -- This is another not-new item, but they are absolutely my most-worn shoe for the month and winter. These are my favorite boots, hands down, and I will repurchase when I wear these out.
Your Favorites
Wide-Leg Stevie Pants -- These really are good, y'all. Old Navy's Stevie pant is my alternative to leggings, and this wide-leg style feels very work appropriate. They come in three colors.
Red Striped Matching Lounge Set -- It doesn't seem like the right time of year for this super cute set to be so popular, but here we are. I guess y'all have spring break on the mind? This is a cute set, though.
Vicks Sinex Saline Fine Nasal Spray - 'Tis the season for sniffles. This is my favorite saline nose spray. We keep a can of this pretty much year 'round.
Sweater Socks -- Great minds think alike it seems. This is the second month in a row that these socks have been at the top of the popularity list. I know I've already said it, but these are my favorite winter socks.
SoComfy Oversized Graphic Sweatshirt -- I love Old Navy's SoComfy sweatshirts, especially the oversized ones. My exact bookstore print one is sold out ,but there are lots of other options in this exact style, which is why I'm including it on the list.
Skechers Hotshot Varsity Crew Sneakers -- Two months in a row for these bright blue sneakers. I love that they're comfortable, and that they're a statement.
Wow Bootcut Jeans -- These are my second-favorite pair of bootcut jeans. My Levi's beat these ones, but Old Navy's price point is more affordable by far. And these ones are good. I wear them just as much as my Levi's, although in all fairness, I only have two pair of bootcut jeans.
Dr Teal's Soothe & Comfort Foaming Bath with Oat Milk & Argan Oil -- Y'all know I love Dr. Teal's bubble bath. This is not my current flavor, but it is one of my favorites.
Pear Sweater Vest -- Thanks for reminding me that I have this quirky sweater vest in my closet! I need to pull it out and wear it while I can.
Denim Vest -- I don't personally own this particular vest, but it is the one that I link to pretty often as an alternative to the one that I wear all the time.
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