What will January 2024 hold for you?

What does January mean for you? New beginnings, New Year’s resolutions, weighing less and exercising more, dreaming of your summer holidays, probably all of these.

Louise Press writes, “January exposes us, lays us bare like the oak tree.” She says it is a month for clarity and a good time to do our inner work following the hectic festive season.

So, how can we make the most of the first month of a new year?

Lia Leendertz, author of (The Almanac 2024) encourages us to make a space in our homes where we can mark out changes from each month, an opportunity to bring the outside in, choosing from pebbles, stones, lichen, seed heads, and feathers. Lia also recommends lighting a different coloured candle each month and writing down an intention, thought, or word for the month ahead.

We have taken her inspiration to create our January mood board. Why not try it for yourself?

This month, we will be making room for our new stock, too, because January means we get to visit all the trade fairs in search of new items to fill our little shop. Starting with Harrogate on 14th, Top Drawer in London, 15th/16th.

Watch this space!

January at a glance:

• Veganuary (1-31)
• Dry January (1-31)
• Brew Monday (15)
• Peanut Butter Day (24)
• Burns Night (25)
• National Croissant Day (30)

Veganuary for January

Animal campaigner Jane Land launched the Veganuary campaign back in 2014 to inspire and support people to try vegan for January. Today, many people choose to reduce meat from their diets to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change. Whatever your reasons, if you want to try it this month, click here for more information.

Dry January

Millions of people now choose to give up alcohol in January as one of their New Year’s resolutions. The BBC Goodfood asked leading experts to explain the potential benefits and drawbacks of giving up the booze and share their overall opinion on Dry January. Find out what they said here.

Brew Monday – Blue Monday (15th)

The third Monday of January has been labelled Blue Monday, a time of year when we’re thought to be cold, short of cash, and guilty about not keeping our New Year’s resolutions.

Blue Monday, also known as Brew Monday, is following a UK initiative to encourage people to connect with others over tea or coffee. Aimed to combat loneliness and provide emotional support during the winter months when feelings of isolation can be more pronounced.

Here’s how you can get involved and support others:

• Brew UpInvite friends, family, or colleagues for a cup of tea, coffee, or your favourite warm drink
• Listen and Share: Have open and supportive conversations about mental health, feelings, and experiences.
• Support Mental Health Charities: Consider donating to mental health charities that provide vital services and support to those in need.
• Spread the Word: Share Brew Monday’s message of connection and support on social media to encourage others to participate. Don’t forget the hashtag #brewmonday
• Self-Care: Make time for self-care, whether enjoying a calming drink, walking, practising relaxation techniques, or making yourself a January table!

Peanut Butter Day (24th) US

National Peanut Butter Day is celebrated in the US and is dedicated to one of their favourite foods – peanut butter. This creamy and nutty spread has been a staple in households for generations, offering a versatile ingredient for sandwiches, snacks, and desserts.

This month’s recipe is Peanut Butter Chicken, a delicious and tasty treat.

Burns Night (25th)

Burns Night on 25th January is the day we celebrate the renowned Scottish poet Robert Burns and is marked by sharing traditional fayre of dishes of haggis, neeps and tatties, and the reciting of poetry, and a warming dram, perfect for January! Find out more about Burns Night here.

National Croissant Day (30th)

Marie Antoinette first introduced the Austrian pastry to France when she married into the royal family and requested it be made in the crescent shape of her homeland.

French bakers created fancier versions, and hence, the croissant was born.

Why not channel your inner Parisian baker with my special Chocolate Croissant Pudding recipe?

To finish

I hope you enjoyed my 2023 year of recipes; I have had some great feedback, so you’ll be pleased to hear that more tasty monthly treats will come this year.

And if you make any of them, I would love to see your versions, so please pop some pics on Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag #AudreysTastyTreats