It is officially winter in Michigan, by that I mean it has finally snowed in the state. While I really appreciated that it didn’t snow in December, no snow allowed my scared butt to drive to my grandparent’s home, I’m really ready for the snow. January is the month that we all try to start to accomplish our New Year’s resolutions. On top of needing to push for New Year Goals, I am also going to work on my school work and this blog. So much to do and so little time to do it. The stress is real about this one, and since the stress is real this month and probably for the rest of the school semester, I need to have my January must-haves. Hopefully, these must-haves will help you too!

1.Teddy Bear Coat

It will not be getting extremely cold this year, at least where I live, I decided to embrace a cute coat. Having something cute to wear makes me happy, sure its superficial to want something that’s cute to wear……but it helps. So, I ordered a coat from Shien, that was affordable and had enough reviews on it that I could at least trust that it would turn out okay. If you’re going to buy anything online, try to make sure you have enough reliable reviews…especially from websites that are known to cheat you.

2. Witch Hazel

Who am I kidding? Witch Hazel is a yearly must-have. My best friend used to use Witch Hazel before it was cool, and I tried it once in Highschool, but it burned my skin at the time. It does not burn my skin now and in fact, if I use it daily, my acne does not appear at all. This is a perfect toner, and go get the 100% pure Witch Hazel for the best results. It is not expensive like other toners and its all-natural (if that’s your thing). It may not work for everyone, the reason it didn’t work for me in Highschool was that I never washed my face or used moisturizer. I was on my own to figure out the whole skincare routine and thanks to YouTube of the 2010s, I was able to understand how to do a beauty routine. Pair the witch hazel with a face moisturizer and sunscreen.

3. Bullet Journal

I am all about the bullet journal to keep my self on track. Unlike traditional agendas, this one I can control the formatting on. It works for me and many people prefer the simple style. I enjoy it because I can express my self artistically and plan my life out, giving me a sense of control and boost of energy each month. Using it in 2019, was the first time I’ve actually used an agenda. So, it is my must-have for 2019 to keep me on track with my goals.

4. Witcher Books Series

Like everyone this December I began to watch the Witcher series and loved it! Seriously, I love fantasy. You wouldn’t guess that from my other blog posts, but I love fantasy. I knew Witcher was a video game but had no idea that it was a book series before it was ever a video game. It was also written in Polish and so far, the first book actually skims upon ideas that are way too relevant in 2020. This month I plan to read most of the series that I can before I finish the rest of the series. To be fair the first season of Netflix is mostly written as a prequel to the first book, explaining the events that the first book mentions in snippets. The first book starts off after season one. Which obviously since this book was published in the 90s, it was not purposefully written as a prequel to the Netflix series. Yet I love that the Netflix series has begun its story as a story build-up, making the reading of the series really enjoyable. To sum it up you can watch the Netflix series first and then read the books, which ironically the Netflix series helps you understand the first book.

5. Prayer beads

This month I plan on trying to do meditation or the Muslim equivalent of dhikr. Where both techniques are really similar to one another and both are old practices, before the Western “discovery”. Meditation is known to help lower anxiety and stress, which is important for the mind. The Prophet Muhammad meditated in a cave, so it is a sunnah practice. I have started off and on to meditate and this year I really want to restart mediation. That is where my prayer beads come into play, I wanted beads that were spaced somewhat tightly but not too tight or too loose. I have a problem with loose beads, it really bothers me for some reason. I also wanted beads that were just cute to look at. I have a problem with things being “cute” …I know.

What is your January must haves? Are they more fitness-based, or book based? You don’t have to buy anything new this month to be it your Winter Must have. I didn’t go out and buy my beads or skincare products, but I do need them this month to help calm me. Perhaps your January must-have is your time with the spouse or your art or even your bed, its okay!