January Recap
Hi, hello! Let’s get right to it.
Yall, did January feel like it lasted forever? And while I’m typically pretty optimistic, it was honestly tough to get through, haha! From the heaviness of the world to first-world problems like kids being out of school, work chaos, and taking on Dry January + a Whole30-ish cleanse… it was a challenge. But, you know what? We survived the month, and I’m excited to share what I learned from the whole experience!
Dry January: The Mountain I Thought I'd Never Climb (But Also, Oops, I Didn't Finish)
Ok ok ok, I am not one to usually make true new years resolutions. Especially health related ones… I think sometimes the act of making these huge lofty goals at the beginning of the year is just not sustainable. I love my splurge meals and I really love my wine. So when Jake and I both randomly went, “You know what? We should do Dry January,” I was like, “Who are we?!”
And honestly, I didn’t think I could do it. 31 days? Without wine? *cue initial panic* And while we didn’t fully finish, we did make it 22 days... I’m calling that a win! When the snowstorm hit & we had been stuck at home for days , I told Jake, "Either I get checked into a psych ward, or I’m having a glass of wine.” He agreed, and that was that haha.
Here’s what I learned, though: Dry January helped me realize I can survive without wine, even though my brain is on full-speed, 24/7. I didn’t need wine to unwind, and that was honestly huge for me. I think this practice helped take the power away from alcohol in my life. I know that seems silly, but it had become a crutch for good days and bad days alike. I’m definitely more clear-headed without it, but do I think I’ll eliminate alcohol from my life? No. Do I think I’ll elimitate on weeknights? Mostly. Will I still love wine on weekends? Absolutely.
Whole30-ish: Clean Eating, but with Extra Nachos... Just Kidding
Jake and I also went full “Whole30-ish” mode, mostly because his workout class was doing a two-week cleanse, and we thought, “Why not?” It was about two weeks of super strict eating—and y’all, we felt amazing. We ended up sticking with it about 80% of the time, and the results? Well, we both lost 10 pounds. I don’t hate that.
But here’s the real kicker—when we tried to go back to our old faves, they tasted... bad! We had Mellow Mushroom pizza (I am not hating, it has been a favorite for a lifetime) for the first time in over a month, and we had totally lost our taste for it. I did not hit!! Its wild our bodies have completely adjusted to eating cleaner, and it’s wild how much processed foods started tasting fake. So, moving forward, we’re keeping it simple: salads for lunch, clean dinners (mostly gluten-free), and weekend splurges. Because balance is a must & sustainable.
The real MVP in all of this: our local Mexican restaurant. The best part? No chips, just chunky guac & steak tacos. Every time I eat it, I feel fabulous. I’m not kidding. It’s the cleanest fast food I’ve found, & it’s kind of been a lifesaver during this whole “clean eating” thing.
Sakara: The Truest Review
Sakara kindly sent me a week of their plant-based breakfasts and lunches (they also do dinner!). Honestly, they’re super clean and way tastier than I expected for plant-based meals. I did have to add chicken to a few things, but overall, they were pretty filling and delicious. I wouldn’t order them weekly because I love cooking and have the time to do so, but they’re perfect for when I need a “reset” or have a crazy week where I don’t have time to prep meals. Plus, I’ve got a turmeric allergy (who knew?!), so I can only order when they’re not using it.
The meals are on the pricier side, but if you’re looking for a clean, easy option, they’re great. I did order a 3-day breakfast/lunch combo for an upcoming busy week. If you want to try them with me, you can use CHARLISAKARA for a discount! I wouldn’t do this every week, but for a quick, healthy solution, it’s definitely worth it!
Cookbooks You Need in Your Life
Here’s the deal—I’ve been cooking from these two cookbooks for years. They’re total lifesavers, and I cannot recommend them enough. My trick? Follow the recipe once, then start simplifying it—because, let’s be honest, who really has time for cilantro garnish on a weeknight?
Here are my go-to’s:
Armra & Matcha: The New Morning Beverage Wonders in My Life
Okay, last thing—this isn’t a shameless plug, I promise I am being so genuine in saying this. I started taking Armra every day in January, and y’all, the difference is wild. I feel more energetic, less bloated, and my skin is noticeably glowing. It’s become a non-negotiable part of my morning routine. & the whole family can take it. It has helped Fields digestion soooo much! We tried everything from probiotics, to pear juice & this is the only thing that has worked. You can use code CHARLI to save.
Oh, and I’m also a matcha girl now?! How did this happen? I had an aversion to hot coffee when I was pregnant, so I switched to cold coffee—but recently cold coffee wasn’t cutting it. Now, matcha’s my thing! Really love the caffeine without the jitters. I love mine iced with a little honey and cashew milk.
Work & Mom Guilt
So let’s talk about the mix of excitement and mom guilt that comes with my career right now. I've been in this business for a little over two years, and in the past two months, my follower count has gone from 23K to over 95K. Holy Moly! I’m floored and beyond grateful for every single person who’s joined in on this journey. This growth has turned my passion into a full-time gig, which is life-changing for our family. But, with that has come the balancing act of being present with my kids while growing this career.
Is there a right way to do this? I feel like my heart has been aching recently missing out on nap time & the small moments that happen in between school pick up and getting them down for/up from naps & snack time. I know it sounds silly because I am so fortunate to get to be with them as much as I am, but this is the transitional phase I am in.
I’m with them until 9 a.m., then they head off to moms morning out, and I’ve been working until 5 when our amazing nanny picks them up. By the time I swoop in, it’s a whirlwind of dinners, meal prep, and bedtime routines—and the time flies. To all the other moms out there chasing your dreams while juggling family life, I see you, and I’m right there with you! It’s hard!
Okay, so snow week...
Not much to report except the fact that South Georgia got SIX INCHES of snow. What?! I did not see that coming, and honestly, it’s probably one of the few times my kids will see snow here. Brooklyn pretty much hated it until it started melting, and Fields—well, he had no idea what was going on. But it was all kinds of magical, creating sweet winter wonderland memories. Oh, and let’s be real—being trapped inside during the snow days also led to the official end of Dry January haha.
Baby Sprinkle for Sarah
So the baby sprinkle I threw for Sarah and her baby girl on the way was the perfect way to end January. I got the idea from this book to use cabbage to present the food—random, right? But it actually looked adorable! Sarah is the absolute best, and when I think of her and party themes, I picture parterre gardens, organic florals, and foraged fruits and veggies.
The decor highlight? An artichoke tulipiere! It was a super easy way to make a big statement without breaking a sweat — you just stick tulips in the little holes & it turns out beautifully.
Upcoming Travels
Alright, friends, the big news—I’m heading to New York Fashion Week tomorrow! This has literally been a dream of mine forever, and I’m so excited it’s finally happening! It’s going to be a whirlwind of business meetings, parties, viewing appointments, collaborations... basically everything I’ve ever dreamed of. I can’t wait to take you all along for the ride!
Also, I’ve been daydreaming about a tropical escape, and we’re headed to Harbour Island in just a few weeks (staying at the newly renovated Coral Sands). I’ve heard amazing things & already picturing the beautiful beach, cocktails, and a few days of relaxation.
Thanks for following along on this journey with me—I can’t wait to share more about everything that’s coming next. Stay tuned, because this is only the beginning of my tell all’s and I have a feeling they are going to get even more fun. xx Charli
