Tools + Resources I’m Bringing into 2026

Not that any of us need any more New Year content

Maybe it’s the new-year reset (or simply paying closer attention), but I’ve become increasingly aware of the everyday tools and resources that quietly support my routines, along with a few I’m adding this season. Not that any of us need more New Year content, but here’s a list of digital and tangible objects that I’m kicking off 2026 with:

1. Film camera (Canon AE-1): Last year, my sister-in-law graciously brought me home a Canon AE-1 from her trip to Japan. After several months of experimenting, including one very unfortunate moment of receiving a blank roll of film after a trip, my passion for film photography has firmly taken root. While photography has always been a form of expression for me, this year I’ve decided to take it more seriously, focusing specifically on film as a medium and how it encourages intentionality while pushing back against our culture of instant gratification and convenience.

2. Sara Covey’s Fundamentals of Film Course: In an effort to deepen my film photography skills, I’d been eyeing this course for months, so I was thrilled when my dad generously gifted it to me for Christmas! I’m such a fan of her work and artistic perspective, and I especially appreciate how approachable and digestible the course feels. If you’re looking to start shooting film or improve your foundation, this is an amazing resource.

3. My notebook system: At this point, my notebook has become something of a comfort object, as I don’t go a day without using it, and you can typically find it tucked into my bag. I’ve come across plenty of elaborate “systems,” but I keep mine intentionally simple. I customized mine at Louise Carmen here in Paris (they also ship online I believe, and Paper Republic offers a similar option) and use their notebook refills. I always carry one lined refill for daily writing and morning pages, alongside a blank one for notes and ideas, which more often than not becomes drawing paper for my kids when we’re out. Two birds, one stone! I also found a pencil pouch at a small bookshop in Normandy that tucks perfectly inside the notebook. The best kind of utilitarian souvenir.

4. Grace Clarke’s Yearly Planner: This is my second year using Grace Clarke’s annual planner, which I (along with many others) have come to love. While I can easily feel overwhelmed by the flood of New Year content, resources, and workshops, this has become a grounding ritual for me, guiding reflection, visioning, and planning in one place. It intentionally checks all the boxes, leaving you feeling both integrated and motivated as you move into the year ahead.

5. Moonlists Prompts for Better Attention (+ Prompts for Reading with First Light Bookshop): I’ve been a longtime fan of MOON LISTS, and more specifically, Leigh Patterson, the creative force behind this editorial gem. Her prompts continue to push your mind to unexplored corners, always leaving you with newfound perspectives. Moonlists recently collaborated with another personal favorite, Austin-based First Light Bookshop, on Prompts for Deep Reading, currently available exclusively in-store. Luckily, my entire family lives in Austin, so I’ll be recruiting someone to secure a copy for me immediately. That said, it sounds like availability may expand soon, so bookmark this for later, or Austin friends, go grab yours!

6. To Be Magnetic + Expanded Podcast: I’ve continuously heard mixed perceptions of To Be Magnetic, but I can only speak from my personal experience, which has been extremely positive going on several years now. I use their “Deep Imaginings,” which are similar to guided meditations/visualizations on nearly a daily basis, typically when I’m putting my little one down for his nap. I love that they have an entire library to cater to whatever I’m needing that day, whether it’s manifesting or unblocking certain blocks/ limiting beliefs. They also regularly host challenges, with their two most recent ones surrounding money and inner child. Even if you’re not ready to commit to a membership, their podcast continues to be an insightful resource that I tune into each week.

7. Library membership: I think of my library membership as both a tool and a resource—one I tap into nearly every day (I’m literally writing this from it now). When did we collectively turn away from our local libraries as an essential third space? I was reflecting this morning on how, until we moved to Paris, the only libraries I’d ever belonged to were tied to school. We’re incredibly lucky to live just a three-minute walk from the American Library in Paris, which I often use as a co-working space, in addition to borrowing books and magazines. I especially love using it to test out new cookbooks, particularly since my own collection is still in storage in Austin. Join your local library!!

8. Notion: While I wouldn’t label myself as an “organized” person, my entire life currently runs on Notion — from content creation and freelance pitching to grocery lists and trip planning. I think a lot of people are initially intimidated by Notion, but it’s honestly only as complicated as you make it, and can be a very simple tool to start with.

   P.S. If you’re looking for an expertly created content-planning template, I use xanthe appleyard’s free template every day (I just refreshed it as I moved into the new year!). I also use her Leisure Ethic template to organize my weekly to-dos and goals.

9. Get to the Publishing Punchline: A Fun (and Slightly Aggressive) 30 Day Guide to Get Your Book Ready for the World: This book by fellow Parisian, friend, and literary agent, Joy Eggerichs Reed, was my go-to resource when creating a book proposal last year, and something I will continue to reference as I continue on my publishing journey! If you’re interested in writing a book but have zero clue where to start, or simply need some (slightly aggressive) handholding to walk you through the process, this is for you!

10. Freedom App: Last year, amidst one of my several extended social media hiatuses, I began using the Freedom app to help me set stronger boundaries on my social media and screen usage. While I’m not a big “doom scroller,” I find myself instinctively checking the habits an unhealthy amount of times per day, using it to fill any empty space, whether that’s waiting for a bus or in procrastination of a task. Using Freedom allows me to schedule sessions where they block certain apps, creating just enough friction to redirect my attention back to the task at hand. I’ve been seeing more and more people share about Brick, which I’m not super familiar with, but might be worth a little research. If you use it, I’d love to hear your experience!

11. Reading light: This unassuming device has transformed my evening routine, helping me shift from bedtime scrolling to reading. We co-sleep with our toddler, and once he falls asleep, I found myself wanting to read but couldn’t turn on a light without risking waking him. For a long time, that meant defaulting to scrolling social media instead. Who knew a little $13 light could make such a difference? It made me reflect on what other small shifts I could make to help implement new, more beneficial habits. My next one will be an alarm clock, so I can stop relying on my phone alarm to wake me up, which leads to checking my phone first thing in the morning—another habit I’m hoping to break this year!

12. Human design coaching session: I first came across human design over five years ago, and have been very lucky to have crossed paths with Bria who is an extremely impactful human design coach, and someone I now consider a friend. She recently re-opened her coaching bookings lately, and I am jumping at the opportunity to schedule a session, especially as she is now focusing exclusively on manifesting generators and generators. It’s amazing just how pivotal one session can be. I continue to reference our last session which was over two years ago now! She beautifully blends business insights with human design and will leave you feeling more seen, confident and inspired in your next steps.

13. Rocket Money: Last year I wrote about my messy money relationship and some of the ways in attempting to mend it. The first step for me was going from avoidance to awareness: potentially a seamless step for some, but personally a very difficult one. My financial goals are a top priority this year, which means going beyond solely awareness to actual progress, planning and implementation. While we use Rocket Money, and it’s been very helpful for tracking spending, subscriptions and more, I’m sure there’s many other similar tools to help you stay on top of your financial game. Have any favorites? I’d love to hear!

14. Substacks: There is no shortage of newsletters I love to consume, however here is a shortlist of ones I consider to be tangible tools, especially in relation to my goals in this upcoming year:

• For all things freelance: How to Go Freelance by Grace Abbott

• For all things travel writing & photography: Postcards from Wherever by Emma Lavelle & The Travelling Light by Katie McKnoulty

• For quality writing opportunities: The Freelance Writing Network

(P.S. Share your favorite Substacks with me please! I’m always looking for new writers’ work to read.)

15. Podcasts: Re: my point above on Substacks: I am an avid podcast listener, but here are a few that have me taking notes each episode:

• The Creative Pep Talk by Andy J. Pizza

• The Shit No One Tells You About Writing

• Financial Feminist

Now your turn! I’d love to hear what tools and resources you’re bringing into the new year, or maybe even some you’re leaving behind.

Until next week,