Month Ahead // February 2026
A TASTE OF THE MONTH AHEAD
Stepping Into February: A Slow Reset, Seasonal Reflections & Intentional Living
EDITOR’S NOTE- Reflections on A Gentle January Reset
Well, we made it through the longest year - aka January.
The month began with its usual optimism: a fresh calendar, good intentions, the promise of a reset. I started slowly, as I always do. And somewhere along the way, things became a little messy - as they often do.
But here we are. February arrived. Maybe not gracefully, maybe just barely - but we made it nonetheless.
I’ve written about this many times before, but January, for me, has never been about charging headfirst into new goals, creating resolutions you know you’ll never keep or reinventing my life overnight. Rather, it’s about aligning with the seasons. Winter invites us to slow down, to rest a little longer, to honor a more intentional rhythm. January becomes a season of pausing and gentle resetting - a time for reflection, dreaming forward, and laying the groundwork for what’s ahead.
This January felt like a true threshold month - quiet, expansive, and full of possibility. And this year, I welcomed it with intention.
I began the month with a desert retreat, an annual ritual that never fails to ground me. Long hikes beneath endless skies. Cozy evenings by the fire. Uninterrupted time to think. I reflected on the year behind me - what I’m proud of, the lessons learned, the moments that helped me grow - and began shaping goals and laying the groundwork for the year ahead through what I like to call intuitive goal setting. There’s something about the desert that brings clarity. Fewer distractions. Expansive perspective. Exactly the kind of seasonal reset I always need.
I’m always grateful for this slower season of winter reflection, but especially now, as I prepare for a move, a milestone birthday, a full season of travel, and the launch of a new project (blog readers, you get the first sneak peek here).
After a quiet month of reflecting and dreaming, February feels like the moment to step forward - not in a rush, but grounded, inspired, and deeply grateful.
x
HAPPENINGS
WORDS TO LIVE BY //
“Seasons of rest are as sacred as seasons of bloom.”- Unknown
WHAT I’M PINNING //
My FEBRUARY BOARD on Pinterest is softly seasonal and an ode to the last bits of winter before we begin to re-emerge for spring
WHAT I’M COOKING //
Because it’s been feeling like summer here in LA (Sorry to rub it into the rest of the country that is freezing!), I’ve had a hard time remembering that it’s still very much winter. But I want to savor a few more cozy dishes and the last of the seasonal produce before it’s officially over. Plus, there’s Valentine’s Day coming up (aka I’ll take any excuse to make a decadent chocolate dessert!). Here are a few recipes currently on my radar-
BROCCOLI SOUP: Cozy, simple, nutritious, delicious! Literally a hug in a bowl!
SPICY FUSILLI: Delightfully decadent! Always a crowd favorite, this pasta always impresses but truly couldn’t be simpler to make (hint: if you need something for Valentine’s Day this is it!)
PAVLOVA WITH CITRUS CURD: An excellent way to take advantage of citrus season!
MINI CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH PASSION FRUIT + RASPBERRY MOUSSE FILLING: An oldie but a good! The perfect dessert for Valentine’s Day!
PANNA COTTA WITH RASPBERRY SAUCE: Another perfect Valentine’s Day dessert! These are low effort but total showstoppers and incredibly creamy and delicious!
WHAT I’M SIPPING ON //
I love a good mocktail and not just because of something like Dry January. More so because I love sipping on a fun treat drink- to get me through an afternoon slump, while I’m prepping dinner, on a Saturday afternoon while I’m reading a book…basically, if there is an opportunity for a treat drink, I’m going to take it. My current favorite that I discovered last month is Figlia. With a little ginger beer and an orange twist, oof! I’m telling you. It is delightful! It kind of gives negroni vibes but, obviously, sans alcohol. And, of course, I still love Aplós! And lucky for you, I actually have discounts to both, should you want to join me sipping on a treat drink! You can use code ALYSSAP20 to get 20% off at both Aplós and Figlia. So cheers to that!
WHAT I’M READING //
Slowing Down to the Speed of Joy and The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry (Can you sense a theme here?! Ha!)
WHAT I’M LISTENING TO //
Hermanos Gutiérrez and the Daniel Challenge on Hallow
WHAT I’M WATCHING //
I’ve been majorly trying to cut back on screen time so I haven’t been watching much besides an episode or two of Moms at the end of the night to unwind with a good laugh.
WHAT’S ON MY RADAR //
Wilde’s for dinner, Solo Mio in theaters and La Darbia’s property opening in Chianti later this year
WHAT I’M EYEING + BUYING //
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