I could probably also title this post, I’m not joking when I say I hibernate in the winter. This is not going to be the most exciting Life Lately post, because my life, lately, has not been incredibly exciting. January is rough! I’m adjusting to being back to work after being off for two weeks around the holidays, the days are dark and cold… it’s just a lot. I very much lean into hibernation mode in January… and February, too. So here’s a realistic look at what my life has been like over the last month.

I did spent Christmas in DC, which sounds like the opposite of hibernation… but if you read this post, you’ll know that my time in DC was also spent hibernating, just in a different city. I still have no regrets! I also watched the movie adaptation of Matilda the Musical – it was so good, everyone was so talented! – and of course, had to eat a slice of chocolate cake while I watched.

I shared this one on my Instagram story when it happened, but it’s too funny not to share here, too. Right before our DC trip, the zipper on my harness – the thing I wear in the car to keep me secure – broke. Because time was of the essence (I needed a replacement before we drove hundreds of miles) and insurance is not known for being quick, I bought a cheap replacement off Amazon. And then, without realizing it, I got too close to the gas fireplace in our house (….ok, I was taking a picture for Instagram next to the gas fireplace!) and melted the plastic on the replacement harness, making it the second broken harness in a month. So, a zip-tie to the rescue! Life is always an adventure.

Drybar’s current cookie of choice is the Stroopwafel – it’s a thin waffle cookie filled with delicious caramel. It’s especially delicious if you let it warm up by putting it on top of your coffee mug and letting the heat and the steam do their work. Highly, highly recommend.

More food pictures! I have been in a little bit of a food rut – I tend to eat the same things over and over and over and over. I like routine! Until I feel like I cannot ever eat it again (at least for a few months) and need something different as a palate cleanser. This strata did the trick! It’s basically an eggy bread casserole, mixed with whatever else you want to throw in – I chose cheese and sausage. Delicious.

Carly posted this little personalized book locket in one of her gift guides last year, and I immediately knew that I needed it for myself. It came all the way from Scotland, so it took a bit to arrive, but it is even more perfect in person than I could have imagined. I chose the quote “To the stars who listen – and the dreams that are answered.” (It’s from ACOTAR) because how could I not, and it’s amazing.

The deer have been back much more regularly over the last month! I know that I’m projecting, but it really does seem like they can see me through the windows and try to get my attention so that someone puts their food out. I wouldn’t say they’re incredibly comfortable with our presence, but as long as we’re about 10-15 feet away, they’ll eat while I’m still outside, semi-creepily staring at them.

We had a very small, very belated Christmas celebration with a few people from my mom’s side of the family. I love extending celebrations for as long as possible, and it was great to see everyone and get together in a very small (and safe!) group. And now our Christmas tree can go back into storage, finally!