A life + studio update.
January began with a deep breath—a full refresh—as we settled back into our cozy home after a week in Portugal. It was my first time visiting this coastal, laid-back gem, and inspiration was easy to find: in the intricate corners of the architecture, the sun-drenched mornings, the uneven cobblestone streets, the simple joy of swimming in the ocean—actual swimming in the actual ocean. My soul had been in need of time like that, though I hadn’t realized just how much.
Coming home to Idaho wasn’t a letdown. After much thought (arguably too much, if you ask an outsider), we decided to adopt two kittens. That’s right—domestic life is joyfully wiggling its way in, in the form of two tabby brothers and one essential humidifier (for said kittens). To say we’re obsessed would be an understatement. Full hearts, endless entertainment.
When not snuggling our new boys (or attempting to sip my coffee while they tear through their morning zoomies), I’ve been elbow-deep in studio renovations. After months of sketching and dreaming, the space is finally taking shape—white walls, refinished wood surfaces, open shelving. I’ll always be grateful for how seamlessly I was able to start working in this space a year and a half ago, but now it’s truly beginning to feel like Kinshop.
Winter blues have a way of creeping in—January, with its long, dark days, can feel endless. But skipping town over the holidays, avoiding the madness, turned out to be the perfect antidote. It let me return home with a fresh perspective, ready to embrace winter and this new rhythm of life with kittens. Quiet days filled with rest, tea instead of booze, long hours on the couch with a book, and work-adjacent projects have helped me ease into 2025 in a way that feels right.
I’ll try to remember this breakthrough 11 months from now.
This month, we celebrated our $400 donation to Salmon Valley Stewardship, our chosen nonprofit for 2024, along with a contribution to Idaho Rivers United from the sale of our Frank hats. Small wins in small ways, leading to deep growth. We love weaving charitable giving into our business—it keeps us accountable and moving in a positive direction. We’re still considering our 2025 organization to support and will share our decision soon.
Lately, we’ve had our record player spinning with an absurd amount of Billy Joel—filling our ears before our roommate returns and inevitably stages a protest.
My favorite read this month: The Eye of the Heron by Ursula K. Le Guin. A stunning meditation on social structures, control, pacifism, and the search for freedom.
January had me feeling inspired by the snow-capped Beaverhead Mountains reflecting the evening light. By quiet mornings with coffee and the view from our living room. By cats sleeping in our bed—who would’ve thought? By memories of cobblestone streets in Lisbon. By loud, family-style dinners with friends. By a partner who’s been putting our new KitchenAid to work, filling our bellies with endless brownies and cookies. By the way January always offers us time to reflect, grow, and dream of all that’s ahead.
With gratitude from inside a cozy house,
Sarah
