There’s something about a new year that makes all of us feel wildly optimistic.

Suddenly we’re convinced this is the year we’ll wake up early, drink enough water, keep the house clean, and read our Bibles every single day without missing a beat. (No one remind us how January usually goes.)

This year, instead of setting a million goals I’ll forget by February, I’m focusing on simple habits that actually fit real life — with a whole lot of grace baked in.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my work!

---

📖 A Bible Reading Plan That Doesn’t Feel Intimidating

If you’ve ever started a Bible reading plan on January 1st and quietly disappeared by January 12th… welcome. You’re among friends. 🙋‍♀️

Here’s a few tips…

• Use a Study Bible or my NEW favorite the FILAMENT BIBLE!!!!! (for less than $25 it’s a study Bible, and it has tons of great videos, devotionals, reading plans, etc. It’s amazing. Highly recommened. : This has helped me tremendously!!! Reading the Bible can be overwhelming… I get it. But, when you use the Filament Bible it truly guides you through understanding. I linked the one I use and love. 

• Use Children’s Bible: I’m serious… If reading the Bible seems daunting to you start here. I used to grab my daughters because it was easier to understand. I would get overwhelmed and frustrated that I didn’t get things. The children’s Bible always simplified things in a way I could comprehend.

• Use a Bible in a Year Study Plan: This is the YouVersion Bible App and Free. I also really like the Bible Recap podcast (free) and you can even buy the Bible Recap Daily Reading Book and Bible Recap Study Guide. You can also use the Bible App for the daily verse of the day and reading.

• Read the 4 gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John: There are 89 chapters… and if you start on Jan 1st and read all 4 gospels reading a chapter a day you’ll finish right before Easter!

• Download the Bible and make it a “widget”on your phone: (Have your kids help you with this! Haha My 10 year old set it up and I have no idea how she did it. But it’s amazing!) I’ve linked the directions if you want to attempt yourself, too! The widget will automatically display your “Verse of the Day” on your front screen. It’s a great way to get that daily reminder to jump into God’s word. Plus, I love reading on the Bible app… it’s so easy to jump from different versions, etc.

The goal isn’t perfection—it’s building a habit that actually fits real life.

• You don’t have to start on January 1
• You don’t have to read for an hour
• And you don’t have to “catch up” if you miss a day

Consistency > speed. Always.

---

🗂️ Why I Still Love a Paper Planner (Yes, Really)

I know we live in a digital world. My phone can remind me of literally everything.
And yet… give me a paper planner and I’m suddenly a more functional human.

There’s something about writing things down that makes my brain calm down and cooperate. I love seeing my week laid out, crossing things off, and feeling like maybe — just maybe — I’ve got my life together.

This year I’m using a Day Designer planner, and I genuinely love it. It’s clean, simple, not overwhelming, and makes planning feel encouraging instead of stressful. It’s $15 off right with code HELLO26

(Also, flipping pages is still very satisfying.)

---

✨ Something New I’m Doing This Year

Here’s a new piece I’m really excited about.

This year, I’m sharing more fashion, home, and lifestyle finds online here on my blog and my social media pages! And honestly, it feels like such a natural extension of who I’ve always been. Maybe you’ve noticed that last few months of me starting to share 🙂

I’ve always loved:

• Putting outfits together
• Making home feel cozy and welcoming
• Finding really good deals (like, tell-everyone-you-know level deals)

So this year, I’m leaning into that and sharing more of it with you.

You’ll see me posting things I actually wear, use, and love — from Walmart, Target, Amazon, and anywhere else I find something worth sharing. If I link it, it’s because I’d text it to a friend and say, “You need this.”

Like these Valentine’s Day Pajamas at Walmart…. they are so so good. Really comfy – and they have pockets. Oh, and only $19 for the set. I got two pairs for my girls and plan on wrapping them up with chocolates for Valentines Day. Would be a great Galentines Day gift too!! I think these will sell out for sure.

I’m not here to be fancy. I’m here for cute, practical, affordable, and real life. And if there’s a sale? Even better.

At the heart of it all, I just love connecting and sharing — whether that’s encouragement, faith, a planner I love, or a great find that makes your day a little easier or more fun.

---

Keeping It Simple This Year

So that’s my approach this year:

• Simple goals
• A Bible reading plan I can stick with
• A paper planner that keeps me grounded
• And sharing more of what I genuinely love

No pressure. No perfection. Just showing up, staying connected, and enjoying the process a little more.

And if we miss a day? We start again tomorrow.

Always. 💛

Sara

---