My 2026 favorites (I know it's only 39 days in)

Hello from Topanga, California.

We came to Topanga in November as part of our trip around the world, and we instantly fell in love with this place. But more on this soon…

Today I’m writing for a different reason.

I know that most of you are deep in winter right now. For those in France: je pense à vous sous la pluie. New York friends: these temperatures are inhumane. Hang in there, it will soon be spring again! Damn. February is not for the weak.

I’m enjoying the perfect Cali weather, so I thought I would send a small care package in the form of “my Best of 2026 so far”. Yes, I’m aware it’s only February 8th.

The Lost City of Z, David Grann. (I read the French version La Cite Perdue de Z)

Percy Fawcett was a British explorer sent by the Royal Geographical Society to map remote parts of the Amazon in the early 1900s. During his expeditions, he became convinced that a magnificent ancient city (which he called “Z”) was hidden in the jungle.

It’s a true story. And it’s incredible. There’s something about true stories of exploration that makes my brain light up.

Magnolia. Last week, on a 15-hour flight, I had three hours to spare and decided to watch Magnolia again. And WOW. I had forgotten how emotionally powerful it is. It’s now officially back on my top 10 favorite movies list.

I could not stop laughing with Tom Cruise’s performance. How genius!

I bought my kids a suitcase/scooter combo. Because the suitcase is detachable, it’s incredibly practical. They can ride their stuff through airports like small maniacs. Truly life-changing.

They have the “scootcase” from the Aussie brand KARION KIDS
In the US, the Kiddietotes is the best option I think.

Go get yourself some sun! My house in Oaxaca is available the week of Spring Break (April 3-11). If you book directly with me, you’ll get 20% off + you’ll skip the airbnb fees. First come first serve!

I have my own scrub recipes depending on what’s available in my kitchen.

My classic favorite: raw sugar + coconut oil + a few drops of lemon.
Scrub face and body, rinse, pat dry gently, and go to bed.

For those who wonder: homeschooling is freaking hard.

And I’m currently on a break.

As soon as we arrived in Topanga last week, we enrolled the kids in a local school that is 80% outdoors. In the school there are chickens, horses, a river, an orchard and even a waterfall. They love it. They made new friends. And for me, it’s such a relief.

It’s just for six weeks, and then we’ll travel to Central America altogether, for three months.

But right now? They will be busy at school, I’ll travel to Peru this week to do some research and hopefully see some naturally blue cotton in the wild! (you can follow my cotton adventures here)

If you’re somewhere cold right now, I’m thinking of you.
Tell me what’s saving you this winter, I’m always collecting good recommendations.

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Thank you for reading!

-Maud