What a week. I had every intention of getting a couple blog posts up this week and they did not want to happen. On what can be described only as an unprecedented start to the new year, it’s hard for me to dive into the more frivolous things. But I wanted to share the things I’m loving right now in hope that they may be a happy distraction for you too.

Friday Five: Dark Start to the New Year, Good News, and Binge Watching | Northern Virginia Blogger

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Friday Five: Dark Start to the New Year, Good News, and Binge Watching | ONE

I think there’s a good chance I’ll think about what happened at the Capitol this Wednesday for the rest of my life. I spent most of the afternoon glued to the TV, got little work done, and as I wrote as I journaled Wednesday night, “I feel tired and scared and frustrated and angry that people were empowered to do this.”

There’s been a number of scary images that have come out of what should be called a domestic terror attack, but this tweet + image was powerful in a different way.

Friday Five: Dark Start to the New Year, Good News, and Binge Watching | TWO

Journaling has been something that’s really helped me the last few months and this week I finished one notebook and started a new Kate Spade hardcover journal. I’m curious to see if I’ll like the bound notebook versus my usual spiral notebooks. More than anything I find a sense of satisfaction in actually finishing a notebook since I’m someone that normally buys more notebooks than I need. Anyone else like this?

RELATED: 5 Home Offices I’d Like to Work In

Friday Five: Dark Start to the New Year, Good News, and Binge Watching | THREE

While I’m typically not much of a tv or movie person, last weekend I binge watched The Wilds on Prime Video and let me just tell you…HOOKED! I watched all ten episodes in under 24 hours. When I started the first episode I was a bit unsure, but by the end I was all in. Prime Video has really stepped up their original content the past few years and I was excited to see that The Wilds has already been renewed for a second season.

RELATED: What I’ve Binged and Loved on Netflix Lately

Friday Five: Dark Start to the New Year, Good News, and Binge Watching | FOUR

I got this mug warmer for Christmas and it’s been a game changer for my mornings at work. Highly recommend if you’re a coffee or tea drinker. Also, I’m currently trying to do a low buy January but thinking afterwards I need to treat myself to a new Evelyn Henson mug! I use my Louisville mug QUITE a bit but have been eyeing the Washington DC mug, the Alexandria VA coffee mug, as well as the Florence one.

Friday Five: Dark Start to the New Year, Good News, and Binge Watching | FIVE

The newest season of The Bachelor premiered this week and for the first time in 25 seasons, the Bachelor is a Black man. My friend Tomi and I recorded our recap and you can hear all of our unfiltered thoughts from favorite contestants, best entrances, and what we think about Matt James over on YouTube. {Let me know if you want to see more Bach Chats!}