New Year, same me - but with a tidier bookshelf
Hey friends,
Okay, I know I’m a little late with this - January wrapped up a few days ago, and we’re already well into February (oops). But honestly, doesn’t January always feel like the trial run of the year? Like a free sample before the real thing starts? For me, this month has been about resetting, easing into routines, creating an inspiring space, and finding joy in the little things.
One of the biggest highlights has been…my studio! I’ve been slowly making it feel more me - a cosy, creative space filled with things that make me happy. It’s still a work in progress, but here are some of my favourite little details so far - all photos are taken on my lovely old Sony Cybershot camera, there’s just something special about a digital camera from the 2000s!:
📚 My colour-coordinated bookshelf – A mix of artsy books, zines, travel guides, positivity reads, and fiction. Basically, a little slice of my brain in book form. It makes me so happy just looking at it!
🖼 A beautiful print from Sakina – It says "Remember why you started," which is exactly what I need to see every day. I love her work so much, especially because she celebrates diversity and mental health through her art.
📆 Her gorgeous calendar – I refuse to flick through all the months in advance because I want each one to be a little surprise. It’s the small joys!
💡 My tiny mushroom lamp – It’s filled with fairy lights, and when it’s on, my studio instantly feels like a cosy little woodland cottage. Highly recommend getting one if you love aesthetic vibes.
📸 A small camera photo holder – Such a cute find! It fits my space perfectly, but I still need to decide which photo to put in it. Maybe a travel memory? Or a cute little Polaroid?
✏️ A stationery trolley – I’ve wanted one for years, and now that I finally have it, I realise… I own way too much stationery. Like, so much. Organising everything made me painfully aware of how many pens, stickers, and notebooks I’ve hoarded over time. But let’s be real, will I stop buying more? Absolutely not.
Once my studio is fully set up, I’ll share a little tour - even though it’s a small room and I like to keep things pretty minimal, I think it’ll be nice to show you around!
Now, about that book nook…
So, I kept seeing people on TikTok showing off their completed book nooks, saying they finished them in two days - TWO DAYS. Meanwhile, mine has been coming together slowly over the past month, and honestly, even though it has tested my patience at times, I’m enjoying the process.
The tiny furniture pieces are so intricate, and some parts are so fragile (yes, I’ve broken a few - RIP to the tiniest chairs ever), I suppose that’s all part of the fun, right? I’ve been working on it bit by bit in the evenings while watching Gilmore Girls, and it’s been such a nice way to unwind. Maybe February will be the month I finally finish it. Maybe.
If you have a book nook, I’d love to know which one you have and how long it took you to complete! And also - are you actually using it as a bookend? Because mine feels way too delicate for that.
A fresh start, and that’s enough
January has been all about resetting, slowing down, getting organised, and making space for creativity. Not every month needs to be about big milestones; sometimes, it’s just about appreciating small wins and quiet moments.
How was your January? Did you start any fun projects, or are you still in the “warming up” phase of the year like me? Let’s chat in the comments!
A thought for the New Year
I want to leave you with this beautiful quote that’s been on my mind a lot lately:
"You cannot start the next chapter of your life if you keep re-reading the last one." – Emily Dickinson
I love this quote because it speaks to so many things - our habits, our routines, the way we sometimes hold onto old versions of ourselves even when we want change. It’s easy to replay the past, to stay in familiar patterns, to hesitate before stepping into something new. But at some point, if we want to move forward, we have to turn the page.
That doesn’t mean forgetting where we’ve been, it just means making space for what’s next. Whether that’s in creativity, career, relationships, or just the way we show up for ourselves every day, I think it’s such an important reminder to keep going.
So here’s to embracing the next chapter, whatever that may be.
Until next month!
💛 Love, Janki x
