New Year, New Me!
I still look forward to the beginning of a new year. An empty notebook for me to write fills me with excitement, hope, and always a positive attitude. I don’t really do resolutions. It’s just one more thing to juggle or worry about achieving. Instead, I focus on consistency - consistent with exercise, family, work…all the things. Apparently as an Aquarius, consistency is a must!
Movement continues to be my anchor. I’ve started Pilates and have slowly become obsessed. I still love my Peloton tread and taking classes, and when the weather allows, long walks with the dogs are one of my greatest joys. As I turn 52, I know strength training needs to be a bigger focus and that weights matter more now than ever. And of course, healthy eating with grace: the 80/20 rule.
I’m an optimist by nature. My husband Ed recently gave me a winter hat that says Eternal Optimist, and it made me smile because it just fits...literally. I always look forward to time with friends, traveling, and discovering new places, new people, and new foods. That’s my love language.
I try not to put too much pressure on the start of a new year. I trust myself. I know I can handle whatever comes my way. 2025 was challenging, with sickness and some health setbacks, so I’m especially grateful for a fresh start in that area.
The word that keeps resonating with me this year is LESS. Less noise. Less pressure. Less clutter. More focus on what truly matters.
Here’s to consistency, optimism, and making space for what’s important.
What I’m Making This Month
January is all about warm, hearty meals that warm you up from the chilly winter weather! I recently made up my own Chicken Noodle Soup recipe that I'm so excited to share with you. This soup is hearty, comforting, and perfect for adding to your weekly dinner rotation or making ahead to enjoy all week long! Keep reading on for the recipe so you can make this delicious soup at home for yourself!
Ingredients:
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1 shallot
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4 cloves of minced garlic
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2 tablespoons of olive oil
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3 stalks of chopped celery
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3 chopped carrots
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1 diced white onion
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10 sliced mushrooms
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(1) 16 oz container of chicken bone broth
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(2) 32 oz containers of chicken stock
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1 teaspoon of Better Than Bouillon
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1 teaspoon thyme
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1 teaspoon rosemary
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½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
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1 12 oz package of egg noodles
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Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Sauté 1 shallot finely diced along with 4 cloves of minced garlic in 2 tablespoons of olive oil for about 3-4 minutes or until fragrant.
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Chop 3 stalks of celery and 3 carrots, dice a white onion and add about 10 sliced mushrooms. Sauté for another 3 minutes.
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Once complete add a container of chicken bone broth, (2) containers of chicken stock and one teaspoon of better than bouillon. Add one teaspoon of thyme, teaspoon of rosemary, ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, add a package of egg noodles - cook per bag. Once noodles are cooked, debone a rotisserie chicken and add for the last few minutes
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Add salt & pepper to taste and enjoy!
Tara’s Tidbits® – I love using a combination of bone broth, chicken stock, and Better Than Bouillon to give this soup an extra savory, rich flavor that really brings everything together. To keep things simple, you can use pre-chopped vegetables because it cuts down on prep time and makes clean up so much easier!
From My Kitchen to Yours
Temp-tations Borosilicate Glass Soup Pot
This Chicken Noodle Soup recipe pairs perfectly with my Borosilicate Glass Soup Pot, especially in the signature Blue Floral Lace pattern. This pot can cook on the stovetop and in the oven and you can serve it all in one dish! Not only that, but the glass pot looks very elegant in your kitchen when it’s on display even when you’re not cooking.
Temp-tations Stackable 18-oz Glass Bowls with Wood Lids
Temp-tations 16-oz Glass Mugs with Wood Lids
If you plan on making a large batch of soup for lunches or leftovers throughout the week, these Glass Bowls and Glass Mugs with Wooden Lids are great for putting it in individual servings! They’re easy to pack, heat up, and transport if you plan on taking them on the go. The Glass Bowls are 18 oz and come in a stackable set of four to save space in your pantry. The Glass Mugs are 16 oz, come in a set of four, and are perfect for enjoying smaller portions.
What I’m Wearing This Month
I love pieces that make getting dressed easy and this outfit does just that! This patchwork henley from Walmart is such a great staple and I love how it pairs perfectly with my wide leg embroidered jeans from Freckled Poppy! I finished off my look with my favorite black studded loafers from Walmart that are super comfy, versatile, and have been my go-to shoes all season long. It’s the kind of look that works for brunch with friends, errands, or just about anything in between. Shop my look!
I’ve been wearing this outfit non-stop and love mixing and matching these pieces with my other wardrobe favorites! This soft mock turtleneck from Amazon has such a great fit, and I layered a simple white lace cami underneath for full coverage and a cute pop of detail. I paired it with these adorable Flamingal cuffed embroidered jeans from Amazon and my favorite suede ruffle booties from Walmart—both pieces I’ve been reaching for all season long! To finish the look, I added a chunky heart necklace and simple hoop earrings from Amazon. Shop my look!
Sometimes you just need to add a little sparkle to your outfit! This head-to-toe Amazon look is so fun for a special occasion or a night out on the town. This sequin top pairs perfectly with these wide leg corduroys for an on-trend chocolate brown moment and makes the whole outfit feel polished and pulled together. I finished it off with my go-to heeled ankle booties, gold drop earrings, and this shaggy jacket that makes the whole outfit pop. Shop my look!
What's Filling My Cup This Month
- As I step into the new year, Pilates has become something I’m genuinely excited about. It’s just as good for my brain as it is for my body, and I love the strength, focus, and challenge it brings. It’s no longer just a workout—it’s part of my everyday rhythm moving forward.
- I just read "The Housemaid" and watched the movie and I have to say, this was one of those rare times where both the book and the movie delivered! Completely gripping, totally binge-worthy, and now I'm ready to dive into the rest of the series.
- I also finished binge-watching The White Lotus, and I'm torn but I loved every season for different reasons. The settings are stunning, the characters are endlessly fascinateing, and the slow-burn drama is unmatched. If I had to choose? I think the most reason season might be my favorite...but ask me again tomorrow. Piper noooooo!
Stay tuned for next month! I’ll be sharing more of what I’m cooking, wearing, and loving, and I can’t wait to bring you along.
XO, Tara
