Gosh. How is January already packing its bags? One minute I was clinking glasses and making wildly optimistic New Year’s resolutions, and the next I’m blinking at the calendar wondering who fast-forwarded the month. January is usually a bit of a mixed bag — equal parts fresh starts and mild chaos — but this one has surprised me in the best way. It’s been filled with simple pleasures, small luxuries, grounding routines, and the people who make even the longest months feel lighter. So, consider this my January favourites roundup: a love letter to the things (and humans) that carried me through.
First and forever at the top of my favourites list: my girlfriends. Honestly, nothing comes close. They are kind, wildly supportive, deeply funny, and sharp as hell — the kind of women who can hype you up, call you out (lovingly), and have you crying with laughter all in the same breath. I’m sharing two photos of us from New Year’s Eve 2025 (yes, technically not January, but let’s not split hairs). They perfectly capture our energy. The second photo (below) needs context: we were posing, started laughing, I began grunting (why? who knows), and everything unravelled from there. Pure chaos. Pure joy.
After the festivities, I made the brave (and slightly dramatic) decision to do Dry January. Firstly, I wanted to see if I could actually commit. Secondly — and let’s be honest — I overindulged spectacularly on New Year’s Eve and woke up on 1 January feeling… not well. I spent a good portion of the morning hugging the toilet bowl and questioning my life choices. I snapped a photo that day as a personal reminder to pace myself and make better decisions. A message I will, frankly, be revisiting often.
Dry January turned out to be the perfect excuse to try the Leopards Leap De-Alcoholised Natura Sparkling, which I was sent and later shared with the girls during a pool day.
We were sceptical (because let’s face it, alcohol-free bubbly can be hit or miss), but this one genuinely surprised us. Because it’s de-alcoholised (containing just 0.2% alcohol), it actually tastes like bubbly — just lighter and fresher. Made from Chenin Blanc and retailing at R130 (SHOP), it’s an easy, highly recommended yes from me.
January also means returning to my daily walks in Newlands Forest with Momo, my beloved German Shepherd. These early morning walks are soul-soothing in a way I can’t quite put into words. The forest is quiet, filled with birdsong and the occasional cry of raptors sweeping down from the mountain. Summer brings a particular scent — warm earth soaked in sunlight — and it feels grounding just breathing it in.
Momo lives for these walks, especially the streams. Watching her dip into the cool water and seeing the calm settle into her eyes is one of my favourite moments of the day.
In wardrobe news: Milady’s sent me a blue pleated dress in December and it has quickly become my go-to for everything. The colour works beautifully with my skin tone, the fit is impeccable, and the structured bodice paired with the soft, romantic silhouette is just perfection.
I love wearing it strapless, though it does come with optional straps. And the best part? It’s currently on sale for R299 HERE. My animal print sandals, green striped scarf and sunglasses are also Milady’s — a brand that continues to impress me with their style and affordability.
Hair-wise, I’m still loving being a brunette (my natural colour) and recently went for a refresh with Steph at Style Bar in Palmyra. He is an absolute maestro. I briefly tried to grow out my fringe… briefly. About a week later, I was back begging him to cut it again. Some lessons must be relearned.
Beauty favourites include Rimmel’s Oh My Gloss Butter Me Up Lip Butter Balms from Dis-Chem- R189,99 each SHOP.
I am obsessed. Packed with squalane, peptides and hyaluronic acid, they’re hydrating, non-sticky, and come in four gorgeous shades. Vanilla Frost (the lightest shade) even doubles as an overnight lip mask — trust me.
I’m wearing the shade Red Velvet above.
My most-used bag this summer has been the Thandana PVC Beach Bag. Practical, wipe-clean, beautifully finished with leather handles, and roomy without being bulky — it’s been everywhere with me.
Lastly, while I’m not deeply into astrology, I am intrigued by the Year of the Fire Horse starting on 17 February. A rare, high-energy cycle symbolising passion, independence and bold change? Sign me up. Clarins kindly sent a limited-edition Double Serum, R2,525 for a 75ml, to celebrate — one of my all-time skincare favourites and a fitting way to welcome fiery new energy. Shop it HERE
And with that, here’s your reminder to hydrate (especially in this Cape Town heat), avoid drama, and savour the small things.
I hope your January has been just as full — and here’s to what February brings.
