a note from chelsea
so this is the new year...
Hello friends! Welcome to the first Monday of 2025. I took the time between Christmas and New Year very seriously and did absolutely nothing. Well, as close to nothing as I can get as someone who loves doing things and feels a relentless pressure to always be doing “something”. I’ve been trying to adopt a more work hard/play hard mentality, which is a hard balance to maintain but I am doing my best.
I have been thinking a lot about the year ahead and have a lot of feelings, mostly good. 2025 is the year that I will turn 35, the year that I can officially say I am in my mid-thirties. For years I heard people say how much they absolutely love their 30’s, how happy they are and how content they feel. I never quite understood what they meant. Sure, I’ve enjoyed the past 4 years of my life, but I didn’t necessarily feel better or worse than I did in my 20’s.
But as I started planning out my goals and ambitions for 2025, I felt something different compared to previous years. Usually my New Year’s resolutions were centered around something being taken away, something I didn’t like about myself that I desperately wanted to change. It wasn’t like that this year. I felt content. I felt happy with who I was and the progress I have made in my life. Of course there are things I want to improve on, things I want to work harder at and goals to accomplish, but there were no glaring flaws that I am desperate to erase. I just wanted to be more…myself. And it sounds crazy to say, but this was the first time that I felt something like that.
And maybe it’s my age, or the years of reworking my life, or the 7+ years of sobriety… or maybe it’s a fleeting, superficial feeling that will change in February. But I’m happy that I finally got to experience this moment of contentment everyone always talks about. I hope there’s more to come. Here’s to loving ourselves more in 2025.
What I’ve been up to!
I’ve been spending a lot of time at the movie theater! I love awards season and try to see as many nominated films as possible. I am so lucky to have access to so many amazing independent film centers in NYC and hope to see even more movies in 2025! Recently I watched Conclave, The End, The Room Next Door, and Nosferatu. I am planning to go see The Brutalist this week.
Stumbled upon Quarters in Tribeca. This is a truly unique concept store and cafe on the 2nd floor of an unassuming building. It was stunning!! I only had time to walk around the showroom during my visit, but I can’t wait to go back and check out the cafe.
Ate dinner at Antique Garage in Soho. I’ve walked by this restaurant so many times but never went inside. It had a very cozy/cool vibe and delicious mediterranean food, but most importantly it was fun! I will be back.
Explored RW Guild, a beautiful, luxurious artisan shop that shares a space with the restaurant La Mercerie. The attention to detail here was amazing and I felt so inspired just walking around and taking in all of the beauty! I’ve heard La Mercerie has one of the best chocolate chip cookies in NYC so I will have to revisit and give it a try. I’ll let you know!
I was interviewed by the New York Times about my maximalist Christmas decorations! I had so much fun decorating this year and I’m looking forward to putting the same energy into upcoming holidays and seasons.
I shared my first Youtube video of 2025 resetting my apartment after the holiday season. In my next vlog I'll be decorating for Valentine’s Day!! Stay tuned :)
I took a day trip upstate on New Year’s Day and went skating at the Bear Mountain Ice Rink! Bear Mountain is about an hour away from NYC, so it’s the perfect weekend destination. I haven’t been ice skating since I visited Wisconsin in my early 20’s (my first boyfriend’s family lived there, oh the lore), but I’m thankful for muscle memory. It was very relaxing just circling around the rink!
What I’ve been watching!
Sol Life travel vlogs on Youtube. They are so relaxing and unique. I love watching her travel through the Japanese countryside and explore quiet little towns.
I watched Squid Game Season 2 during my post-Christmas/pre-new year couch-rotting sesh. Sadly I had a hard time getting into this season :( I did end up finishing it and while there were some great moments, I don’t think anything will ever compare to the magic of the first season.
What I’m looking forward to!
I’m going on my first ever ski trip this month! I’ve never skied or snowboarded before so I’m a little nervous, but excited. I will be going to Stowe, Vermont and while I’m there of course I will also be visiting the iconic Ben & Jerry’s ice cream factory!! I can’t wait. Not sure what I’m more excited for…the mountains or the ice cream.
What I’m listening to! (manifesting a new boygenius album in 2025)
I hope you have a great week! Love ya!
Chelsea
I'm turning 30 this year and am expecting my first child in April. I also did not have a New Year's resolution this year because I have been really happy with my life. I was also let down by squid games season 2 it has a lot more to follow along with and I dislike mid-season finales. Enjoy your Ski trip!
I understand how turning 35 years old is. For me, it was a time of BIG change. I was able to get out of a horrible marriage and take back control of my life. I got remarried, had a baby girl, moved to Canada, etc. I decided to finally live in a way that is happy and try to live the best life I can. I left my enjoyable yet extremely stressful 24/7 job I had. I still miss it, but I can always get back into it if I decide to (on a much lower stress scale). I felt like I had my second chance. Now, I’m approaching 45 this month and it’s weird. I always felt like your 40’s were old, but I feel far from it. I’m working on my book which is hard to write, but I know will be helpful to others. I finally have enough courage to get my story and my message out there. I just need to be brave and build my online presence which terrifies me. There is so much to look forward to and see how your life leads you. Above all for me is just finding happiness.