Natalie's Notebook- December Recap

A new favorite, how to have a gentle January, & the best baked potatoes

Jan 03, 2025

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This monthly newsletter is not just about recommendations, interesting articles, recipes, and fun finds; it’s about sharing a part of my life with you. When I write these, I like to imagine we are meeting in person for coffee, lunch, or a glass of wine to chat. So, pour yourself a drink, find somewhere comfortable to sit, and let’s get caught up. ☺️

December Chit Chat 🎄

Happy New Year! 🥳 As I write this, it’s sunny and in the low 70s, so it hardly feels like January! I sat down yesterday and wrote out my goals for 2025 and what worked and didn’t work for me in 2024. I also jotted down my favorite things from the year- which clothes I wore repeatedly, beauty products I loved, my top house items, and my travel favorites. I’m excited about the new year—my intentions, hopes, and goals. I love planning for the future, but as I’ve mentioned before, reflecting on the previous month's highlights is essential for me. I’m grateful for a full and wonderful December.

Here are my December highlights:

I attended the local Philharmonic holiday concert with Tony (we do this annually.)
Tony and I participated in a group nature walk at La Pursima Mission State Historic Park.
I toured a proposed new and exciting community project in my area.
Tony and I took a trip to San Francisco to celebrate his birthday.
We spent ten days in Washington celebrating Christmas with our kids and their spouses. It was the first Christmas we had not spent at home! Besides celebrating the holiday, we went to a Christmas market in Seattle, played board games, wore matching Christmas pajamas, played games at an arcade, and went on beautiful walks/hikes.
The December sunrises were spectacular!

Everyday Loves

These eyedrops for whiter and brighter eyes help on those days when I look tired.
I’ve finally found the best “personal item” carry-on bag! This lightweight bag holds SO much but easily fits under the airplane seat. I rarely check my luggage, so my second bag needs to be large, flexible, and sturdy. It slides easily over my suitcase.
My subscription (free with my credit card) to Walmart + was a lifesaver this past month. I preordered groceries and other things when traveling, and it’s great for those days I don’t want to run into the store.

Noteworthy Links

“The only rule is to be gentle on yourself.” How to Put More Gentle in Your January
Never Show Up Empty-Handed, Show Up with Condiments. Love this! “Condiment gifting isn’t about trying to out-foodie someone. Rather, it’s about capturing your host’s joie de vivre in jar form.”
Rules for Modern Life. My favorites are #6, 19, 22, & 26.

From the Kitchen

Here are some delicious things I made last month:

The World’s Best Chicken-I’ve used this easy recipe for over a decade, and it never disappoints.
I don’t make baked potatoes often, but I follow these tips when I do. The Best Baked Potato Recipe makes potatoes crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
This Roasted Dill Salmon is fresh and delicious!
I made my frittata two days in a row but substituted spinach for the non-tomato eaters.

May your January be full of hope, joy, and new beginnings.

With love, Natalie xx

"The beginning is always today." Mary Shelley