Happy New Year! 2026 is officially here! Many people dive into the new year with reckless abandon hoping to meet all of their elusive life goals. This often leads to self-loathing when we fail to meet the unrealistic expectation we’ve hastily set for ourselves. But what if this year we take a gentler approach? Rather than jumping in with both feet, instead we tiptoe into the next calendar year with an intentional, well-laid plan. Instead of rushing, what if we paused, considered, and took our time plotting a thoughtful journey? As we consider the year before us, take the time you need… this may be the key to creating the life you truly desire. 

What am I reading?

The Silver Witch by Paula Brackston 

https://bookshop.org/a/111301/9781250086341

Every Day I Read: 53 Ways to Get Closer to Books by Hwang Bo-reum

https://bookshop.org/a/111301/9781639737796

https://bookshop.org/shop/witchywomanwalking

What’s playing on repeat?

C’Mon Down by Poor Man’s Poison 

What’s for dinner?

 French Onion Soup

 Ingredients:

• 6 large yellow onions 
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• 6 cups rich beef or veggie broth 
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves – or 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 6-8 thick slices of day-old baguette
• 1½ cups grated Gruyère cheese – Swiss or Provolone work as alternatives
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

Slice all onions uniformly using a sharp knife or mandoline. Shred cheese, set aside.

Heat butter and olive oil in a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven over medium heat. Add sliced onions, sugar, and salt, stirring to coat evenly. 

Cook onions for 45-50 minutes, stirring every 8-10 minutes. Take your time, slow stirring makes for great flavor! 

Once onions reach deep caramelization, add 1/2 cup of beef broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up the flavorful brown bits. 

Add remaining broth, thyme, bay leaves, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. 

Preheat your oven’s broiler. Ladle soup into oven-safe crocks, top with bread slices, and generously cover with mixed cheeses. 

Broil for 2-4 minutes until cheese bubbles vigorously and develops golden-brown spots. Enjoy!

Spiced Pear Tea

Ingredients:

– 2 cups water

– 1 ripe pear, sliced

– 1 tablespoon honey (adjust to taste)

– 1-2 cinnamon sticks

Instructions:

1. Start by boiling the water in a pot. Add the sliced pears and cinnamon sticks. 

2. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes. This will blend the flavors beautifully.

3. After simmering, strain the tea into cups. Sweeten with honey to your liking.

4. Serve warm and enjoy the soothing flavors.

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