Subject Erm, no ❤️ to New Year resolutions
Have we yawned and stretched our way into the first week of the new year yet? Are we all painfully circling back? And on top of that… resolutions?
Erm. No.
I’m still trying on resolutions and a word of the year for size, kind of like swatching paint before drenching the entire room in a new color.
We had a little NYE party, complete with a friendship bracelet station that very quickly turned into word of the year bracelets. I thought I had mine… but after sitting with it, I realized it might actually be a word I’m saving for next year.
This year’s word is hovering somewhere around momentum. Still noodling but it’s feeling like the right direction.
I also don’t yet have any big, splashy goals set because I’m very much still stretching out of winter break hibernation. Last year it was a tablecloth and a dinner party. This year? Who knows. All of this to say: if you don’t have a resolution yet, don’t sweat it. Sit with things for a week, or two, or three, and let it come to you.
I finished my intention-burning ritual (fully admitting I missed a night or two and had to burn a few at once - in the name of efficiency!). And the intention I landed on for 2026? Oddly enough, it’s the one I’ve been quietly gearing up for the most.
Which brings me to…
Inside My Studio
January, for me, is all about seeing where the previous year actually landed. I’m gathering numbers, looking at what went better than expected - and what, well… didn’t. As much as I want to run this business on sprinkles and vibes, that doesn’t quite cover the bills. So alas, we run the numbers.
All of this has me working on a little manifesto about pricing your art. And goodness knows, I’ve run the gamut. I started out wildly underpricing my work (which honestly feels like a rite of passage) and once I finally found a literal, long formula that made sense, everything shifted. I charged more, worked with fewer clients, went deeper with each one, and had so much more space for thoughtful connection.
More money. Fewer clients. Better work. Wild.
I’m writing this because it’s exactly what I wish I’d had when I was starting out. If selling your art (or even a creative hobby) is on your 2026 radar, click this little link so I know you’re interested and I’ll send more details when it debuts.
I also made time to paint this week. A friend had the sweetest baby shower, and what better way to celebrate than with art? Bonnie even helped me with some practice sketches, which was equally helpful and extremely adorable.
What I’m Cooking
An update on Christmas dinner: success across the board. The sauce was loved, the mussels were easy, and the mousse was the perfect simple dessert.
The cinnamon roll focaccia, however?
Dear Reader, I flubbed it.
Picture this: early Christmas morning. Bleary-eyed and stumbling to the kitchen. No overhead lights because - absolutely not. Just the small sink light glowing softly. I can make coffee in the dark at this point. Muscle memory.
Naturally, I assumed I could also finish the last steps of the focaccia in the dim light. All I had to do was pull it from the fridge, sprinkle butter, cinnamon, and sugar, fold it, and let it rest.
Easy, right?
Except in my squinty-eyed haze, I used cardamom instead of cinnamon. A lot of cardamom. I’m just grateful I didn’t grab chili powder, which would have been a true holiday tragedy.
All things considered? Still delicious. So if you’re feeling chaotic good, cardamom is your girl. Coffee brewed, crisis averted.
What’s Inspiring Me
Seeing so many people quietly deleting their social media accounts has me feeling… inspired.
After writing this newsletter consistently for nearly a year (lighting a candle for the accomplishment cake), I’ve realized how much I love this side of the internet. The quieter one. The one where we can share stories back and forth without being bombarded by ads every three sentences.
So you’ll likely be seeing more long-form writing from me, and a little less of the socials. If that’s possible. This feels good. Showing up here? Very yes. Posting on social? Less so. And I’m finally listening to that.
Which brings us to an important cultural question:
Punch cards are the new bingo cards—discuss.
Are we in? Are we out? I know where I stand, but I’m genuinely curious what you think. Scroll down to the button for my full thoughts (and a mild hill I’m prepared to die on).
Also, this new-year shift has me feeling like I’m fully steamrolling into a blog era. Something new may be brewing. Stay tuned.
What I’m Reading
I finished Conform and it was a solid four stars for me. Entertaining, but the writing occasionally had me rereading passages trying to figure out what just happened. It felt very much like the middle book of a trilogy with lots of buildup, lots of promise. Of the dystopian books I read in 2025, I liked Silver Elite better. I know most disagree but I’m standing by it!
But then - Play Nice entered the chat.
Starting 2026 with a demonic thriller mayyyyy not be the most peaceful intention, but WOW. I’m hooked. Halfway through and fully invested. Let’s freaking go.
Spring cleaning is coming, which means I’ll be launching my first-ever seconds sale. I have so many test prints that are perfectly lovely and simply need good homes. Maybe even a few originals 👀
Test prints will be priced at a sweet little discount, and for the first time ever, I may list some originals. Turns out when you actually paint consistently for a year, the backlog stacks up!
More soon—
Katie
Punch cards:
I’m officially team not-a-fan. I’ll die on the hill of bingo cards because I want random, delightful moments - NOT another to-do list dressed up in cute fonts. I don’t want to repeat the same task over and over just so I can earn a gold star.
And listen, this may be influenced by the fact that I’m a Type 3 recovering perfectionist who knocked my Goodreads goal down to one (1) book this year because I’m tired of chasing stats instead of actual enjoyment. We’re opting out of performative productivity in 2026. Momentum, yes. Metrics? I’m resting.
Tell me though - am I wrong? Are you team punch card or team bingo? I genuinely want to know.
