Novis Newsletter - January Edition
This year I'm celebrating Lunar New Year, which is why I don't need to have my life together until the middle of February
On new beginnings and all that Jazz
I’m considering the past month as a trial period for 2026. In Brazil, we have a saying that the year doesn’t start until after Carnaval, and as it lines up with the Chinese New Year, I intend to celebrate in full swing on the 17th. I am yet to meet anyone who wasn’t glad to see 2025 go. As someone who is super superstitious, I’m blaming the Year of the Snake, and as an ‘02 baby, I’m very excited for the Year of the Horse. Catch me wearing red all year long.
I’m a Nostalgic Freak
I spent a lot of my time back in Brussels reminiscing. It was mostly triggered by seeing the people I went to school with, but being back also means visiting places that feel frozen in time. Being home has a specific taste, moules-frites washed down with a Chouffe, and a Gaufre de Liège bought on impulse thanks to the smell of caramelised sugar taking over the street. The second I land in Brazil, I also crave the flavours of my childhood, Pão de Queijo at the airport, Bicoito Globo, Mate and a Chicabon at the beach.
168 busy hours in London — I’m loving the taste of the socialite life
I was back in London for exactly a week, and I really made the most of it. I am an Olympic medalist in calendar tetris, and I put my skills to good use, reminding myself that I could always catch up on sleep on the plane. I showcased my range with wholesome brunches and Sunday roasts, work calls, interviews, nights out, drinks and dinner with friends old and new, and the unique trauma bond that comes from being held hostage by a man with a tote bag and an inflated ego1.
Things are about to get hot and sweaty
Literally, I’m writing this from Rio, where I’ll be spending the next month. Expect dispatches straight from the Carnaval front lines: minimal clothing, glitter everywhere, kissing all the time. I haven’t been back in Brazil for over a year, so I was more than due for a homecoming, and I couldn’t have picked a better time. 2026 is the year of fun, the year of the Hot Girl, and as I’m planning to party for four days straight in 40-degree heat, I’m sure to tick all the boxes.
Julia’s January Recommendations - To Read, To Watch and To Eat
To Read - Half His Age by Jennette McCurdy
I loved this book and featured it as one of my top 2026 recommendations. I got an early copy, but it officially came out on January 20th, and I am so happy my friends are finally getting to read it (I love a lit debrief). It’s provocative and funny and makes the age-old story of an age-inappropriate relationship feel fresh. If anyone caught Lena Dunham’s interview with Jennette on pub day at Town Hall, I am so jealous, and if I were home, I’d be going to her London tour stop hosted by Jack Edwards.
To Watch - Rulers of Fortune (original title: Os Donos Do Jogo) on Netflix
I binged this with my family over the break. Sensitive viewers, be warned, there is some pretty graphic violence. The fictional show follows the dynamics of the Jogo do Bicho, a lottery that’s over a century old, managed by the ruling families of Rio.
To Eat - Sunday Roast at the Holly Bush
My friends and I have made it our personal mission to find our favourite roast in the city, and whilst I think the Sticky Toffee Pudding at The Spaniard’s Inn is the best in town, the roast at the Holly Bush is the best I’ve had so far (I always get Lamb in case you’re wondering). The only downside is having to book months in advance, so if you want to go whilst it’s still cold, I recommend getting a date in the diary ASAP.
Honourable Mentions and Other Things Bringing Me Joy
My therapist was on vacation this month, which meant I was doubling down on self-care. I re-read the original Hunger Games trilogy (anyone who knows me knows I am a MASSIVE fan of the films, I will do unspeakable things to get invited to the Sunrise on the Reaping premiere in November), and it was the best way to start the year. I also am perpetually wired and have always said I can never stay still enough for yoga, but in the spirit of the new year (and also because I’m going to be spending a lot of time wearing very little clothing in February), I decided to give it another go. I signed up for a yoga membership and made the most of it during the week I was back in London. I have become a vinyasa rat and a hot yoga regular. I expect my third eye will be opening soon, and I’ll be reaching Nirvana by Q2.
What I Wrote This Month
I reached out to some of my favourite literary voices in Hot Girl Books 2.0 — ALL STARS EDITION for book recommendations to kick off the new year. After spending a lot of time with people I hadn’t seen in ages (and also having someone ask if I was on the spectrum), I dissected my [near]perfect memory in I Remember Everything. Continuing on a massive theme of 2025, I also wrote about how I’m In Everyone’s DMs (but not in a sexy way, though I promise to date for the plot in 2026).
you should never hand this man the mic
I look forward to seeing you shine (during Carnaval and onwards).
Beautiful scenes all round