What's Up Wednesday in January 2026

It's the last Wednesday of the month and time to link up with Shay and Sheaffer for What's Up Wednesday. 

What We're Eating:

Saturday: We moved our date night to Saturday and tried out Cedar's Steakhouse at Foxwoods (We don't gamble but love the casino's restaurants plus it's a huge indoor complex to walk around in in winter). 

Sunday: Bolognese sauce with pasta, garlic bread, & salad


Monday: Caprese Tuscan chicken with wild rice & acorn squash w/salad

Tuesday:Pulled pork sandwiches with chips and salad.

Wednesday: Sweet chili ground turkey with rice noodles and pea pods

 Thursday: Fish casserole for my husband I then I'll make homemade chicken fingers with broccoli & potatoes for the boys.


Friday: Slow cooker garlic beef bites with green beans and salad

 


What I'm Reminiscing About: I was thinking about this blizzard the other day (I thought it had been in January but it was February of 2013) when we woke up to find that ALL the roads in CT were closed since even the plow trucks couldn't keep up. 



we had to break out the heavy equipment as plow trucks weren't enough


What I'm Loving: It's been a pretty quiet month at home and while I am not normally one to LOVE snow we had one really pretty snowstorm on the 19th that brought perfect snow hiking weather with it and I just love how pretty all the photos we took look. These types of pictures really help remind me that winter isn't all bad.

 


What We've Been Up To: Snow removal because the storm on the 19th wasn't the only one we got!, we went to the movies, played games, worked on puzzles, enjoyed some snowy walks... that's about it. 
 
 


 



A big storm on the 27th left 20 or so inches behind

 
What I'm Dreading: Tax season; I find it so much harder now that most of the year end/tax forms aren't automatically mailed directly to me. 
 
What I'm Working On: I scrapbooked our end of the year photos and had lots of fun playing with some new card making techniques this month.
 

 


 
What I'm Excited About: Evan and I booked some flights to head down south to see my sisters and parents. 
 
What I'm Watching/Reading: The latest season of Emily in Paris (Netflix), Latest season of The Pitt (HBO), Knives Out: Wake Up Dead Man (Netflix), My Lotto Dream Home (Hulu), All's Fair (Hulu), Regretting You (Paramount+), Task (HBO), Play Dirty (Prime), Avatar: Fire & Ash (at the movies!), People We Meet on Vacation (Netflix)
 

I read a dozen or so great books this month:
 

What I'm Listening to: I've listened to lots of fabulous audiobooks this month. 

What I'm Wearing: Lots and lots of sweaters and layers. 
 







 



 


What I'm Doing This Weekend: Nothing much; my husband has MSHA (mine safety) training this weekend so I'm debating about trying out a Zumba class at the gym. 

What I'm Looking Forward to Next Month: Valentine's day! I just love an excuse to spoil my guys. 
 
What Else is New: My brother has been living with us this month, we hardly see him except on weekends but it's been fun visiting with him more than usual. 
 

Linking up with:



Comments

  1. NatashaJanuary 28, 2026 at 6:11 AM

    I’ve been for a couple of winter forest walks this month and they are definitely gorgeous! It does help me enjoy winter more if I get outside.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne January 28, 2026 at 7:02 AM

      It definitely helps me too; but sometimes I have to work really hard to get myself out there!

      Delete
  2. MarilynJanuary 28, 2026 at 6:15 AM

    That is so much snow! Your winter pictures are beautiful though! Stay warm and enjoy your day!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Lyssy in the CityJanuary 28, 2026 at 6:47 AM

    I used to dread tax season when I was a CPA, but it's nice only having to do one return now. I love all the snowy pictures!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Maria RineerJanuary 28, 2026 at 8:11 AM

    Your snow pictures are so pretty! You guys got SO MUCH snow! Enjoyed the throwback pics. Your month looks nice and cozy!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne January 28, 2026 at 9:38 AM

      Yep, we definitely got a lot of snow. Seems like it's one of those winters that snow it just going to keep piling on top of snow. We haven't had one like that in a long time.

      Delete
  5. Sunshine and BooksJanuary 28, 2026 at 8:30 AM

    Joanne, those pictures of your first snowy hike are gorgeous! I guess we can put up with the freezing temps for pictures like that. How fun to have your brother living with you for a bit. ICan't wait to hear about your books this month! I hope you enjoy your Zumba class.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Dara @ Not In JerseyJanuary 28, 2026 at 8:36 AM

    Wait, you're playing triominoes? I had that game! The snow pictures definitely make snow look great. I love your outfits too. Looks like you read some good books - looking forward to your reviews!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne January 28, 2026 at 9:37 AM

      Yep, my mother in law bought it a couple of years ago and we all just love it!

      Delete
  7. HollyJanuary 28, 2026 at 8:43 AM

    So fun that your brother is staying with you! Also how close are you to Foxwoods? I am guessing pretty close-lucky girl!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne January 28, 2026 at 9:40 AM

      About 45 minutes. So not that far-- it's perfect for winter date nights since it's so large all indoors. I enjoy just walking around and getting some exercise in!

      Delete
  8. Melynda@Scratch Made Food!January 28, 2026 at 8:46 AM

    Oh my at this point in (my) life, that much snow would definitely keep me in! It is beautiful, but my snow days are over!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne January 28, 2026 at 9:40 AM

      I can't say I go far and it makes grocery shopping a nightmare. Pushing a cart through the slush and snow is just awful.

      Delete
  9. GinaJanuary 28, 2026 at 9:32 AM

    Your clothing outfits are always so cute and the food pics have me drooling. What beautiful snowy scenes - I am a summer girlie, tho...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne January 28, 2026 at 9:41 AM

      Aw, thank you! I am definitely a summer girl too but I try to at least tolerate winter.. but often fail. I'd love to live somewhere where I can wear flip flops year round.

      Delete
    2. Kim January 28, 2026 at 9:55 AM

      I'm not thrilled about tax season either. The accountant takes care of all the details, but there's still a lot for me to do. I think your food looks great though! Yum!!

      Delete
    3. Joanne January 28, 2026 at 2:29 PM

      Yeah, we hire an accountant too but there is still so much for us to pull together for them to do their jobs.

      Delete
  10. CatJanuary 28, 2026 at 11:59 AM

    Oh no, that's way too much snow for me. Glad you enjoyed your hikes, though!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne January 28, 2026 at 2:32 PM

      I enjoy how pretty the snow looks but don't really like how cold and wet everything feels while hiking this time of year. It's a trade off... and there comes a certain point (like this week with nearly 2 feet of snow on the ground) that I just can't manage a walk in the woods at all.

      Delete
  11. Jodie's Touch of StyleJanuary 28, 2026 at 12:10 PM

    For as cold and snowy as it is, I'm surprised you don't layer more... I felt like I wore 3-5 layers when living in Denver, LOL
    Tax season is definitely annoying, :)
    OXOX
    Jodie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne January 28, 2026 at 2:31 PM

      I typically have 3 layers; a tank, a long sleeve shirt, and then my sweater. Then fleece lined pants as much as I can with knee socks and fleece lined shoes/boots. Then often a scarf as well... plus any outwear I add to actually leave the house.

      Delete
  12. MELODY JACOBJanuary 28, 2026 at 2:05 PM

    The Caprese Tuscan chicken is calling my name. I’m also totally with you on the snow photos they look stunning, but that 2013 blizzard memory is enough to make anyone want to stay inside! Hope you have a blast visiting your family down south; escaping the CT winter for a bit sounds like the perfect plan.

    I actually just shared a new post too, I'd love for you to check it out! www.melodyjacob.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne January 28, 2026 at 2:32 PM

      Right?! Even my husband joked I might want to look for a second home down there and just wait it out until spring!

      Delete
  13. Tanya January 28, 2026 at 3:51 PM

    The snow pictures are all so beautiful. You live in a winter wonderland!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Christie-So what? Now what?January 28, 2026 at 4:21 PM

    Joanne, your snow pictures are beautiful! They almost...almost...make me wish I was somewhere snowy. As always, your meals look delicious.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Kim CarberryJanuary 28, 2026 at 4:28 PM

    Your meals all look and sound delicious and that looks like a great snow day back in 2013. The snow looks beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Everyday MaddieJanuary 28, 2026 at 4:43 PM

    Your snow pics are so pretty!! You've got a great sweater collection!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne January 29, 2026 at 5:36 AM

      I have a HUGE sweater collection. It's pretty much all I wear all winter long.

      Delete
  17. Chrissy TJanuary 28, 2026 at 5:06 PM

    I just love my visits here. I loved reading all your stuff!!! Oh..... how I miss a good snow hike. Been so long. All your outfits are so cozy and nice!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Heather{Our Life In a Click}January 28, 2026 at 7:20 PM

    The snow pictures are so beautiful! We have a lot right now and there's nowhere to walk so it's indoor walks for me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne January 29, 2026 at 5:37 AM

      Yeah, we have far too much snow to walk outside now too.

      Delete
  19. Laura BJanuary 28, 2026 at 8:23 PM

    I've read the Lions of Fifth Avenue and The Love Apothecary and they were both good! I will definitely be checking out the others you read because I need a new book!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne January 29, 2026 at 5:37 AM

      I hope you find another great one to read! I'm always on the hunt for a new book.

      Delete
  20. FitFoodieMeghaJanuary 29, 2026 at 5:23 AM

    That is a crazy snow storm; although the snow pictures are so beautiful. You look beautiful in all those outfits. Enjoy your time with family! :)

    ReplyDelete
  21. handmade by amaliaJanuary 29, 2026 at 6:24 AM

    I enjoyed People We Meet on Vacation. And all your snow. Stay warm!
    Amalia
    xo

    ReplyDelete
  22. Doused in Pink | Chicago Style BlogJanuary 29, 2026 at 11:29 AM

    Task was so good! Your snow photos are beautiful! Love all of your cozy sweater outfits! Saved some of your recipe ideas!

    Jill - Doused in Pink

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne January 29, 2026 at 1:32 PM

      Aw, thank you! I hope you like the recipes.

      Delete
  23. Lindsay's Sweet WorldJanuary 29, 2026 at 11:53 AM

    Those slow cooker garlic beef bites look soooo yummy! I love all the snow pictures. We wouldn't know what to do with that kind of snow here. It would shut us down for days! Ha! I love all your outfits! You look so nice and warm! I've gotten in a lazy habit of wearing leggings, a sweatshirt or fleece, and my Ugg boots nearly every day, and I need to get back to wearing jeans and sweaters!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne January 29, 2026 at 1:33 PM

      It only shut us down for perhaps 24 hours and then life is pretty much back to normal.

      Delete
  24. BriJanuary 29, 2026 at 1:54 PM

    Your winter photos are so beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Julie's Creative LifestyleJanuary 29, 2026 at 2:59 PM

    I love looking at your snow scenes. You always put together such nice outfits and I love your sweater collection. I usually wear a hoody or fleece to keep warm and sweats! Your food looks good and you always seem to make different meals that look so healthy.

    ReplyDelete
  26. AnonymousJanuary 29, 2026 at 7:37 PM

    I love your snow pictures, they look so calm and beautiful. How lovely to have your brother living with you! Ruth@playworkeatrepeat

    ReplyDelete
  27. MarshaJanuary 29, 2026 at 11:24 PM

    I wondered how much snow you got! Obviously, your family is prepared! Your photos...always beautiful...but just stunning in the snow! We only got about 10 inches, but the cold is awful. It's so cold, any exposed skin just hurts. Jack is not happy doing his business...he normally loves snow so I hope it warms up just a little so he can play in it!

    https://marshainthemiddle.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne January 30, 2026 at 12:15 PM

      Yes, it literally hurts to breathe walking outside. I feel like the air is freezing in my lungs!

      Delete
  28. nicole orriensJanuary 30, 2026 at 3:26 AM

    It's lovely to get this peek into your life Joanne : ) I really like your vests. I wear them myself too, because I like how you can easily take them off and on again, if needed.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Maya KuzmanJanuary 30, 2026 at 5:31 PM

    Love the snowy photos. We had just a speck of snow a couple of weeks ago, and it melted immediately. Tomorrow the forecast says it'll be 15 degrees C. What is this? Spring in January?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne January 31, 2026 at 6:37 AM

      Today I woke up and it was -9 here (F)... so none of that snow is going anywhere. Enjoy your warm up! I'd love to see temps like that!

      Delete

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