One little goal I have for 2026: grow Modus Medley. Not in a “girlboss” way 😅 just in a “more lovely people in this little corner of the internet” way. It feels slightly weird to say out loud because I never want this to get salesy, but if you’ve enjoyed being a subscriber, would you consider forwarding this issue (or next week’s Best Books list — it’s a good one!) to a friend who might love it too? Also, A Year of Feel-Good Finds is available for current subscribers to grab anytime, and new subscribers get it sent automatically when they sign up. So now is kind of the perfect time to invite someone!
Thanks for considering, friends. I’m glad you’re here.
Cook dried beans. Do any of you do this? I’m all for homemade but I need the juice to be worth the squeeze and this feels like… an effort. 🫘
Important Ideas for 2026. Don’t get turned off by the first point. Some of this feels like “duh,” but some of it also feels like “oh!” 💡
The Purchasing Power of $100. Just another reason to love the Midwest. 💰
Police Frog. Oh AI… never change. 🐸
The Everlasting by Alix E. Harrow
A scholar becomes obsessed with the legend of Sir Una Everlasting, then is sent back through time to ensure her story (and death) unfold as history demands, even as they’re forced to relive and retell the same tragic legend again and again.
It’s always a treat to start the year with a 5-star read. The time travel genre is tough to do well, but this one had just the right amount of foreshadowing to make it feel like a mystery I could solve. And the love story felt sweet and beautiful despite the battleground it exists on. I enjoyed lingering on this slower read.
Celebrity Traitors UK
The star-studded version of the hit BBC reality game where famous faces compete in a tense Scottish castle, trying to sniff out the secret “Traitors” among them before they’re eliminated.
As soon as this was announced, I pictured all my favorite Taskmaster contestants playing One Night Ultimate Werewolf, and that’s pretty much what it was. Unlike the US celebrity (i.e., reality stars) version, these people still have to keep working together after filming, so the backstabbing stays on the gentle side. Not to spoil too much, but when the winner is revealed they immediately start crying and apologizing… which is definitely not an American reaction.
Any hopes or dreams for 2026?
Learn to Watercolor. I flipped through this over lunch with a friend during the holidays, and was so impressed by the detailed instructions and beautiful results. She’s jumped in to the practice paintings and gives it good reviews. Thanks Becca Silvashy for the recommendation! 🎨
Pixel Thoughts. Type your worries and watch them all… just… float… away… 💭
Peanut butter M&Ms. I just can’t stop eating these. 🥜
Football Target Toss. We love a blow-up toy around here. This has been a fun addition for burning energy in the winter months. Then it deflates nicely and we bring out something else like the mini trampoline.
