Slowly Stepping into 2026...

I’ve been quiet for a little while.

December arrived with more force than I anticipated — a horrible bout of Covid just before Christmas, followed by a pause I didn’t plan, but realised afterwards that I deeply needed. After such an intense, exhilarating first year of GROVE England, I chose to let the end of the year soften. To be slower. To be at home. To have a family Christmas that wasn’t squeezed between launch planning, logistics, or the hum of constant motion; it felt important to pause this year.

January, for me, has never been about rushing forward. I know there’s a cultural insistence on urgency at this time of year — new goals, new energy, new pace — but I’ve always loved the quieter promise of it. The sense of standing at the edge of something fresh, without needing to define it immediately.

This year, that feeling feels particularly potent.

We’re stepping into the Year of the Horse — a symbol of movement, strength, endurance, and forward momentum — but not the frantic kind. The horse doesn’t rush blindly. It moves with purpose, with confidence, with an innate understanding of its own power. There is promise here, but it’s the kind that unfolds over time.

That’s how this January feels to me: full of potential, but asking for patience.

Looking back at our first year with GROVE England, I feel an enormous sense of gratitude. It was intense, yes — but also deeply affirming. To bring something into the world that feels honest, considered, and rooted in beauty takes more energy than I realised. Rest, I’ve learned, is not a retreat from that work — it’s part of it.

So if you’ve felt slow this month, or quiet, or not quite ready to declare your intentions with confidence just yet — I think that’s okay. More than okay, actually. There is something deeply luxurious about beginning the year with spaciousness.

Thank you for your patience while I find my rhythm again. I’m here, quietly excited for what’s ahead — and content to let it arrive in its own time.

Below I have compiled for you a collection of things that are really helping me enjoy the slow pace this January, peppered with a few bits that are filling me for excitement for what’s to come. I am ending the month with a work trip to Palm Beach, which I promise to share on here - there are a few bits linked that I’ve invested in for that too.

Here’s to starting gently, and moving forward with intention - wishing you all the happiest and healthiest year ahead and look forward to sharing more with this lovely community throughout 2026.

Laura x

Some things that are enhancing my wellness and sense of peace at the moment:

In January, usually the coldest month of the year, I really love to get cosy in good knitwear. I also love the feeling of a new year, new start to invest in a few new pieces.

Me & Em at the moment have a wonderful selection of knitwear and also a great sale, so don’t hesitate to have a browse!

1. This stunning brushed cashmere cardigan has just made its way into my wardrobe and it the softest knit I have ever owned! The colour is more vibrant than I would usually wear, but for this time of year it’s a welcome pop of fun on a cloudy day.

2. This cardigan is made from merino and cashmere and I just love the longer length with tapered waist. Super flattering and makes it something that’s cosy, but also perfect to dress up for work or for an evening out.

3. This cream merino and cashmere cardigan has been in my wardrobe since late Autumn and I’m obsessed. I wear is so often - the slightly cropped length and lovely wide sleeves, make it so flattering. I have had so many compliments on it too - such a wonderful allrounder and super cosy too.

4. Finally from Me+Em is this beautiful chocolate jumper that’s been on my wishlist all winter. Currently in the sale with 30% off, it has a boucle finish, which those of you who have followed for a while, will know I love. Also available in cream.

Next up is Sézane (I am in love with their entire current collection), but particularly their cosy knits:

1. I am utterly useless when people ask me what I want for Christmas - I honestly only ever want to be with those I love and enjoy the time together, so really struggle to share ideas. This year I asked simply for a cardigan from Sézane and was so lucky to get this - I have lived in it since and so have just treated myself to another colour, for fear of totally wearing the original one out…

2. This one in light beige is now on the way to me…and I’m already coveting the ivory too! Honestly, so cosy and so easy to wear.

3. This one has just been released and it so chic - it looks super flattering too and perfect for work meetings. Totally in love.

4. Finally this is the ivory one (as above) - I am holding off ordering for now, but honestly not sure how long I will be able to resist…

Organising myself for the year ahead:

One of my favourite things to do at this time of year, is re-organise. Clearing the house post Christmas, whilst sad to say goodbye to the sparkle, is a lovely time to reset. I always wait until January to order my new diary for the year and this year I have selected this beautiful vibrant pink from Smythson as my colour. The Year of the Horse warrants something bright and bold instead of my usual neutral diary, so here we go!

1. Raspberry Soho notebook bound in crocodile-embossed calf leather - so elegant and so useful - also currently on sale with 40% off.

2. Raspberry pocket diary bound in crocodile-embossed calf leather.

3. I have been needing a large tote style handbag for a while and my trip to Palm Beach later this month made me focus, as I need something to carry my laptop and that looks the part. This Mortimer Eyelet Chain Tote from my favourite Anya Hindmarch, is utterly perfect and is in the sale currently at less than half price. Do not wait! Also available in this lovely smaller size, which is also on sale.

4. Every year for as long as I can remember, this Soho diary from Smythson has been my one of choice, such an indulgence, but since an early age it was the thing that made me feel like a proper grown up! I usually have it personalised with my initials in gold too.

5. Finally this lovely passport cover that matches all the above, is also in the sale. Suitably Palm Beach, I have just snapped it up.

I would love to know the things you treat yourself too once a year in January that bring you joy throughout the year? The above are definitely mine.

Taking control of my wellbeing:

I am definitely not someone who takes part in dry January or who sets strong resolutions. I genuinely believe this is a month to rest and be gentle. I even actively encourage a cosy glass of wine by the fire each evening (if that’s your thing). I do make an effort at the start of the year though to catch up on my supplement regime and check that all is still what it needs to be - I also like to use products that will nourish both my skin and my soul, so above are some things I can’t live without in January.

1. Magnesium is a must for me - all year round. When I stop taking it I really notice that I’m not as grounded and my sleep suffers too. I’m currently using this one from Ancient & Brave and it’s great.

2. I have also been making a huge effort over the last year to take collagen daily - I am really starting to notice the difference in my skin and nails, but most exctingly my hair. I always had just thick hair until I had Lily and it’s honestly taken years to get it back to close to what it was. This Matcha with Collagen is a great way to top up throughout the day and I have been taking Oslo Skin Lab daily too.

3. This Ancient & Brave True Collagen is always in our cupboard too - I mix it into hot drinks and smoothies and give it to Patrick when I remember as well!

4. My hands really suffer at this time of year and so I can’t leave the house without this amazing GROVE England Anemone hand cream. Luxurious, natural and with the most beautiful, delicate scent I’m hooked and so are so many others who I share it with daily; we all need nourishment for our hands at this time of year.

5. Bathing is a ritual I adore - it’s a winter must for me and our Anemone Bath Oil is the only product I reach for. The scent is insane, the texture is so soft - nothing left on the bath, but skin left totally soft and moisturised. Harper’s Bazaar love it too, so don’t just take my word for it!

6. I use this Anemone Body Wash in the shower, but also in the bath with the oil, which adds a lovely bubble to the water if that’s your thing. Natural ingredients that leave the skin like silk and beautifully scented.

7. I have been taking Wild Nutrition’s supplements (amongst others) since before Lily was born. I am very sensitive to synthetic vitamins and they were the first pre-natal supplement on the market that I could safely take. I still love them and can’t live without Immune Support at this time of year.

8. Ashwaganda is vital for me to keep my hormones calm and to feel grounded.

9. Omega 3 is also really important all year round, but particularly for me in the winter - theirs is really amazing quality and good value too.

Thank you so much for reading this far if you have made it all the way! I would love to know what you would like to hear about this year from me - I’m thinking that I will just post a sort of diary style, as regularly as I can, about what’s happening in life. If anything else appeals though please let me know!