Welcome back to Stories, Sips, and Shenanigans, where I do my best, fall apart a little, read a few things, binge a few shows, and pretend I’m not already behind on three different life challenges. January came in hot, weird, emotional, and dramatic – basically me in month form.

Did I read a lot? No.

Did I watch everything under the sun? Yes.

Did I work on myself and start becoming a new version of me? Also yes.

Let’s talk about it.

📚 WHAT I READ

January is honestly the month where my brain is rebooting like a 2006 Dell laptop, so the fact that I finished 3 whole books deserves applause. Or a cookie. Or both.

The Lost Crown by Sarah Miller

Royalty. Tragedy. Sisterhood. The slow, creeping dread of history we already know the ending to. A strong start to the year, even if my emotions weren’t prepared for all that soft sorrow.

Only for the Week by Natasha Bishop

Rome. Martin.

That’s it. That’s the whole mini review.

Again, the man rented a yacht for the main character so she could read uninterrupted.

Enough said.

The Scammer by Tiffany D. Jackson

This book…stole my peace. I started it slow, then suddenly I was 200 pages deep whispering, “Jordyn, girl, plz stop…”

Tiffany D. Jackson is the CEO of YA psychological chaos, and once again she delivered a story that felt too real, too scary, and yet too necessary. The Scammer felt uncomfortably human. I was stressed, impressed, obsessed, and deeply unwell. This book is gonna live inside my ribcage now.

🎬 WHAT I WATCHED

11.22.63

This show had me questioning everything – ethics, destiny, history, and my own sanity.

Would I ever go back in time and change anything? Absolutely not. This show cured any desire I had to be a time traveler. I will stay RIGHT HERE in 2026 drinking my iced coffee and avoiding butterfly effects.

Deep, great acting, haunting story.

Bridgerton Seasons 2, 3, & 4 (Part 1)

Because sometimes you need to rewatch beautiful people make terrible decisions while wearing stunning outfits.

Anthony and Kate are my favorite couple hands down. The yearning? The tension? Top-tier.

Rewatching Colin and Penelope’s season THEN jumping into Benedict and Sophie’s made me mad all over again. HOW did they give Polin so little time in their own season? We deserved more.

Now, as for the newest season, I adore the Cinderella-inspired vibe. Sophie is charming, Benedict is delightful, and their chemistry is magical. He’s my favorite Bridgerton brother and I will not be accepting counterarguments.

Titanic (again)

Yes, I watched it again because it’s on Netflix now.
Yes, I still cried.
Moving on…

The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones (the movie)

This…was a choice. I just wanted to see if it still held up and no…no it doesn’t. Also, giving Jonathan Rhys Meyers braids was a jump scare.

Bend It Like Beckham

Naturally after City of Bones I had to find a better Jonathan Rhys Meyers movie. When this movie came out in 2002, it was my comfort movie. I was convinced for a whole week that I, too, was going to bend it like Beckham. Spoiler: reality said “girl no”.

I might do a full Nostalgic Movie Review to this one because it’s too iconic to ignore.

🌟 HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MONTH

Joined Book of the Month
Got Rings of Fate by Melissa de la Cruz, AND a free beanie that loudly declares “I love books.”

Hung Out With Friends
On one of these hangouts, I realized I’m shockingly good at axe throwing, which is equal parts empowering and concerning.

If the Hunger Games ever becomes real? I’m ready.

Started Writing & Plotting My Fantasy Series
The Hollerthorn Chronicles is officially being BORN. A magical university set in the Blue Ridge Mountains. A Southern Gothic vibe. Black Girl Magic. I already look forward to coming home from work everyday just so I could work on it.

Started a 365-Day Journaling Challenge
Yes, I started on the 25th when I was supposed to start on the 1st, but better late than never, right?

Rejoined My Church’s Praise Dance Team
This one was a surprise, but I’m happy I did.

Started Diamond Painting
My new serotonin hobby. It’s like therapy but with sparkles.

📝 QUOTE OF THE MONTH

“Life is meant to be lived.” – Violet Bridgerton

She said this in one of the new episodes of Season 4, and I’ve decided this is my quote of not only the month, but the year.

This month gave me soft openings, emotional resets, tiny joys, and more.

February…your move…