Designing a Year I Love: From Routines to Dreams

New Years Fireworks

Xoxo, your new favorite blogger, ready to welcome a marvelous New Year. Every year, I usually spend New Year’s Eve at church (except for two years)…and now this one. On Tuesday evening, I felt that dreaded sore-throat tingle. I’ve managed to stay pretty healthy all year, but Houston weather has been doing the absolute most , 85° one day, 40° the next. And yes, I was walking around with an open jacket and bare chest like I didn't know better (because I do). The minute my throat tingled, the scarf came OUT.

After work on New Year’s Eve, I took NyQuil thinking I was being proactive, took a nap…and woke up feeling worse. So, we stayed home. Trader Joe’s pizza, the new Fallout episode, a little NYC ball-drop recap, the start of Stranger Things season five, a New Year’s kiss — then straight to sleep.

So here I am: Stacy, 2026 edition. Let’s talk about what’s staying, what I’m re-evaluating, and what’s new.

What’s Staying the Same

My workout routine - In 2025 I found a rhythm that works: lifting twice a week, two ClassPass workouts, and one Sunday walk or run. Mixing strength, classes, and fresh air had me feeling (and looking) my best, so this combo is here to stay.

Weekly planning with Google Calendar- I finally stopped “winging it” and started truly time-blocking. Each weekend, I map out my week. Work, workouts, events, travel time, breaks, and rest. Every night I review and adjust. It keeps me focused and shows me if how I spend my time actually aligns with my goals.

Friday grocery runs- Fridays after work = grocery day. Getting it done early frees my weekend for life, creativity, and fun not crowded aisles. If you’re ever at H-E-B on a Friday evening, you’ll probably see me there.

What I’m Re-Evaluating

Delegating household chores- Between work, workouts, my nail business, and content creation, weekends started feeling like chore marathons. Meal prep alone can take four hours and then I’m exhausted. This year, I’m exploring outsourcing cleaning and meal prep so I can protect my creativity and energy.

Creating better systems- YouTube keeps saying, “Build systems!” and while the advice is great, applying it hasn’t always felt natural. I’ve got the habits now I’m working on turning them into smooth, sustainable systems.

Branding & marketing my nail business- No one will know I do nails or how good I am at it, if I don’t tell them. I used to assume clients would just show up. Now, I’m proudly building my brand, showing up online, and communicating clearly so the right clients can find me.

What’s New

Curated family outings- We always see each other for holidays and birthdays, but this year I want more intentional, non-food-centered moments together the kind that feel meaningful, not draining.

My fashion passion project - Fashion magazines, Project Runway, What Not to Wear, I’ve always loved style. This year, I’m leaning in: improving my sewing and designing a summer wardrobe. Bright colors, breezy fabrics, creativity, all of it.

Playing video games- I bought my husband a PS5…and now I’m the one intrigued. The last time I seriously gamed was Nintendo 64 mornings with my sister. I just picked up Elden Ring, and I’m excited to dive into a new world (and away fro

m my phone!).

This year, give yourself grace.We get another chance to reassess, retry, and realign. That’s the beauty of life, as long as we’re here, we get to keep going.

Happy New Year! Follow your passions, chase your dreams, and watch me chase mine.