January is always an equally soothing and unsettled time for me. I delight in the freedom and space it provides while also feeling the intense change of momentum from the holiday season. I do a lot of self talk, “breathe, Sarah, breathe.”

In this round up I’m going to talk about artists and classes and what I’ve been reading and listening to. If any or all of those interest you, read on…

Every January, since I started AD (almost 4 years ago) I use this time to deep-dive into topics that I’m interested in and charge up those batteries to give life to the year ahead. It’s so important to reset. Without this, I can feel my energy go stale. What do you do to recharge?

In the Round-Up this month:

WHAT I’M LEARNING | ONLINE ART CLASSES | SKILLSHARE: Since joining Skillshare I’ve been watching a few classes (at least) a month. It’s so fun to check out new classes, learn a new skill, and just generally get inspiration from various teachers and artists! Head over to my link and get 2 free weeks and give it a try.

If you are into simple and fun photography projects, give Hope Johnson’s Flatlay Styling Class a try. It is so fun and everything she makes is just lovely! Also, check out her gorgeous work (hello wallpaper of my mountain cabin dreams!)

If you are an artist and want to learn a little more about capturing your own style, be sure to watch Laurie Anne Gonzalez’s class on Finding Your Artistic Voice. It is a perfect starting point on listening to that ever-important voice inside. Also, check out her beautiful paintings, her style is so warm and welcoming!

WHAT I’M READING | BOOKS: I just can’t get enough of styling books, in particular City Farmhouse Style: Designs for a Modern Country Life by Kim Leggett and Uppercase Magazine for my own inspiration. I dove into Free to Focus by Michael Hyatt at the rec of Bonnie Christine. We read it together for our Mark Makers Mastermind and Hyatt provides really practical tips on how to focus better (something I fear we all need a little more of these days.) And for my nature lovers — I am nerding out over Peter Wohlleben’s The Secret Wisdom of Nature. It’s got some gems.

WHAT I’M WATCHING | STREAMING TV: John and I have been rewatching 24, which just doesn’t seem to get old. We’ve also fallen in love with Ted Lasso on Apple TV. We could watch all day long if they came out with Season 22, darn it! Thanks to my dear friend Kristin Cronic for that incredible rec. Go watch yourself some Ted Lasso and feel good!

WHAT I’M LISTENING TO | PODCASTS + AUDIO BOOKS: I can’t seem to get enough of Brene Brown. I know you guys, I know. But seriously. I just freakin love her. Her podcast: Unlocking Us is just brilliant. I can’t recommend it enough. I also loved The Gargoyle Hunters by John Freeman Gill, a love letter to a vanishing city, all about NYC. Gosh it was good. Thanks Mom for that rec. And Art + Fear by David Bayles. Honestly I haven’t been listening to a ton, sometimes I just need quiet so when I feel like a could use a bit of focus with an injection of calm I go to Spotify and listen to Peaceful Meditation (it’s like an at-home spa!)