Notes from the Weekend

TODAY, the third Monday of January, has come to be known in the UK as “Blue Monday”, the most depressing day of the year. The idea originated in 2005 via a press release issued by a travel company. Using a formula accounting for factors like weather, debt, post-holiday gloom, failed resolutions, low motivation, and the need for change, they calculated this date to be the saddest day of the year. Despite questionable scientific and statistical validity, the concept of Blue Monday has nevertheless permeated popular culture. The notion of a low point deep in the depths of winter, when holiday cheer has faded and spring seems far, far away, resonates with many of us. Despite awaking to the bluest skies this morning after what seemed like weeks of grey skies, it still felt like the day had been cast with the shadow of the winter blahs and lethargy, even before remembering what day it was. On the bright side, January is half over and February is a short month, so it will be spring soon enough. I’ve also been busy back at work and workouts and planning for the year ahead. A few days ago, I posted some Outtakes at our Substack (Some of the Photos I Never Posted on Social Media), in case you missed it. We will be slowly transitioning more content there as the month comes to a close (more on that soon). Hope your week is off to a wonderful start and that it’s not too blue.

This week’s links include the best holiday destinations in February, and Aran cable-knit wool sweaters for January days; the most beautiful small towns in Europe, beauty buys, and much, much more.

xo,

P.S. past weekend links