6 Things #68: January
Howdy friends, how’s it going? I’m here with a fresh dose of 6 things that've been happening/keeping my heart happy in the last month. If you’re new here, hello! Welcome to my newsletter. Thanks so much for being here and spending a few moments of your month with me ❤️ Let’s get crackin’, shall we?
I don’t know if it’s down to the miserable(!!) weather, my Insta feed channeling the Chinese New Year, or simply wanting to be a hermit 80% of the time, but I’ve been making a conscious effort to take the start of 2026 a little slower than usual and not feel guilty for it. Have multiple days blurred into one? Absolutely. Have I spent more hours being a couch potato, (probably) eating Dairy Milk? Again, absolutely. The gentle life has been glorious and my mind/body/soul/etc really needed it. Here are my highlights:
1. 🧵🪡 My first cross stitch!
News in, folks! I’m entering my craft era in 2026 ⭐️ I asked my mum for a cross stitch pattern for Christmas - both her and my gran have really lovely, framed ones dotted around the house that they’ve made over the years and I’ve always wanted one of my own. SO, though I may not have it on display until next Christmas (😂) here’s a pic of it complete! I’m pretty proud of it 🥹
2. 📺 Emily In Paris
Late to the party? Probably! Sometimes, an easy watch with 30-minute episodes and relationship drama is all you need. I didn’t think I’d enjoy Emily in Paris, but it’s surprisingly addictive. It’s like The Devil Wears Prada, but with a Parisienne marketing firm and WAY more character arches. Does it make me want to go to Paris? No, but it does make me laugh and acts as a mini dose of escapism. A fun one, if you want something easy!
3. 🎮 Tales of the Shire
One of the cosiest cosy games I’ve ever played. As the name suggests, Tales of the Shire is a Lord of the Rings game - only centred around hobbits and their love of food. The aim is to get Bywater (where your hobbit lives) village status by doing tasks for your fellow hobbits, foraging, fishing, gardening and cooking meals specific to each hobbits’ cravings (sweet, salty, sour or spicy). It’s Animal Crossing-level of chill, so if that’s your vibe, you’ll love this! I may turn to something with a little more action/combat next though 😂
4. ✍️ The Song Lab
I co-hosted a two-day songwriting camp for 16-25 year olds last month and it was the most wholesome weekend!! Did I accidentally set the building alarm off at the beginning of the first day? Yes 😂 but what a joy to meet and witness the next generation of Teesside artists creating songs together and experiencing co-writing for the first time. Thank you Tees Music Alliance for having me 🥹
5. 🎤 Panel Host
Okay, SO, fun fact about me: I LOVE and proper geek out/get excited by music industry conferences. I’ve done a small amount of panel speaking over the years which I’ve loved, but last month I HOSTED a panel discussion for the first time!! I whizzed through all of my questions and had to freestyle the last 20-25 minutes with a full audience watching (the internal PANIC 😂), but it was honestly exhilarating and I felt so professional?!? 💅 I’d love to do it again. Thank you On Point and Wipe Out Music (my dear publisher) for having me ❤️
6. 👖 All hail Uniqlo
So good I bought a second pair. Behold(!!) the ultimate dog-walking trousers (gifted to me by Joe), with thanks to Uniqlo and Amelia Coburn for posting her stylish hiking ‘fits on Insta and letting me be nosy (endlessly, thank you)!! These bad boys are getting me THROUGH training a puppy in this very cold, very wet British weather (and the muddy fields that brings 😂). If, like me, trousers are your nemesis when it comes to shopping (the joys of being 5ft2), I highly recommend. These fit like a DREAM, keep your legs toasty and dry, and the pockets are *chef’s kiss*. I’ve been living in them.
So, they're my 6 things for January! What were your highlights from the month? I’d love to hear from you.
Until my next update, you know where to find me 😎
Big love, Jodie x
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