Simple Joys of the Month: January, 2025
IT'S FINALLY THE LAST DAY OF JANUARY (thank goodness!!!!)
I don’t even know what to say about January except what everyone on the internet is saying about it: this month has been the longest month in the history of months that have ever monthed.
When I try to think back to the beginning of January I can hardly remember it because it was THAT long ago. Is that because the news has been nonstop horror for the past 4 weeks? Because Trump is president again and thus, it feels like we’ve lost the last 4 years of our lives? Idk but I’m definitely ready for February.
However, before we jump ahead, here’s a quick rundown of some of my favorite simple pleasures from the past month (or 10000 days of January)…
I am combining these two categories to share a roundup of all of the books I read and listened to this month, because there were a lot.
I’ve become pretty obsessed with audiobooks (I listen while drawing my comics!) and at this point, I’m usually reading one book in bed at night and listening to a totally different book while I work, which allows me to get through books much more quickly.
Here are all of the books I read this past month (all of which I recommend because I don’t read bad books! If I don’t like it, I stop reading! I have NO problem quitting a book that is putting me to sleep!):
FICTION
Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld
My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante
Eligible: A modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice by Curtis Sittenfeld
Margo’s Got Money Problems by Rufi Thorpe
Did You Hear About Kitty Karr? By Crystal Smith Paul
Brooklyn by Colm Toibin
NONFICTION
Happy to Help by Amy Wilson (I interviewed her on IG last night—you can watch our interview here)
The Power Pause by Neha Ruch
*And a special shout-out to Liana Finck’s new children’s book, Mixed Feelings, which also came out this month and is lovely (and soothing for adults, too!).
When I was pregnant* with Teddy, all I wanted for lunch each day was a very specific toast/open-faced sandwich that I’m calling “Deluxe Avocado Toast.” I’d forgotten about it once my balsamic vinegar cravings subsided (after I had him) but last week, having grown sick of my daily turkey sandwich, I decided to bring back the Deluxe Avo for a day. Now I’m once again hooked and it’s my new daily lunch—I like to have the same thing every day so I don’t have to think about it.
Here’s a labeled side view of all of the ingredients:
*No, I’m not pregnant again! This is just a really good meal.
“TASTE” HONORABLE MENTION: Wine! I did a “moist January” (gross) and cut out drinking Mon-Thurs, so by 6pm on Friday I was pumped for that glass of cold, crisp white wine. Can’t wait to enjoy one tonight!
Earlier this month, Ben bought a bag of popcorn kernels, pulled out our hand-me-down popcorn popper (it’s like this one but is probably from the 1970s), and started making us homemade movie popcorn. He sprinkles this magical salt on it and real melted butter and it is DIVINE. We all love it.
After being served an ad for this “eye corrector” for like 5 months, I finally gave in and purchased it for the ever-growing bags under my eyes (hello, 40!). I wasn’t sure if I believed the hype but now that I’ve been using it for a week or two, I’d have to say, I endorse this product.
LASTLY: I almost forgot (because it was 10000 days ago) that in early January, Ben and I went on a solo getaway to Woodstock Inn & Resort and it was THE BEST ALL-AROUND SIMPLE JOY OF ALL. We slept, we ate, we luxuriated, we watched “The Crown” at 3pm in our snuggly bed just because we could. Take me back.
UPCOMING EVENTS/BIZ NEWS
A reminder that my book, Mama Needs a Minute, is now available for pre-order! Pre-orders are a great way to support authors (they help signal early interest in the book) so if you’re planning on getting the book for yourself (or as a gift) please consider pre-ordering before March 11th:
Save-the-Date for my March book events! Registration will open soon; I’ll be sure to share the links when they’re live :)
Valentine’s Day cards for partners, friends, + family in my shop!
Have a great weekend and happy almost February, friends!
xoxo,
Mary Catherine
*Disclosure: If you purchase something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission—this is at no cost to you. I only recommend products and programs I believe in. Thanks for your support!
I read Margo's Got Money Troubles in December and absolutely loved it!