Making a Racquet in January
A monthly update for the Tennis Yellow lifestyle.
Table of Contents
Welcome 2025!
Last year I chose to adopt a word of the year. That word for me was, “focus” and it stayed with me all year long. Sometimes when I would feel myself getting distracted during a match or in practice I would remember to ‘focus’ and then make efforts to stay present in the moment. This word served me off of the court as well. Whether I was playing or working, thinking of ‘focus’ helped me improve in every area of my life. Adopting a word and keeping it close has been a great experience. So I decided to adopt an additional word for the new year.
For the new year, 2025, I have decided to choose another word that I can keep as a touchstone. That word for me is the word, ‘Trust.’ In honor of these words I had a very dainty bracelet made with three words engraved on it. Those words are focus, trust and create. If you are interested in getting your own bracelet made, here is the link to the place where I got mine. I’d love to hear what words inspire you
Winter League Starts
In my area of Utah, we have a lot of USTA league play. There are no other large groups of organized play, so it is very common for our play to be under the umbrella of USTA. That means that a few short weeks ago, new 2025 ratings were published. Some players moved up a division, some players moved down and many stayed the same rating. Usually in January people have already decided if and where they are going to play in an organized league. Winter is a great time to get started to play in preparation for Spring and Summer play. Winter is sometimes considered a ‘practice session’ because it is a great opportunity to practice doubles partnership or brush up on singles strategy.
Planning ahead for Indian Wells
My favorite tournament is only a few months out so it is time to firm up your plans to attend the BNP Paribas Open Tournament, held in Palm Springs, California. Click here (link to blog post on website) for everything that you need to know for attending the tournament. Of course, one of the many fun parts of the tournament is planning for what to wear. The weather can be warm, it can be chilly when the sun goes down in the evening, so plan on wearing layers and comfortable shoes. Here are some ideas of how to look great while also being comfortable.
Apres Ski
While playing tennis is a great avenue to scratch the itch of competition, winter is also a great time to enjoy cold weather sports like downhill snow skiing, snowshoeing or cross country skiing.
I am sure that many of you have heard of the term, Après Ski. I live in the mountains of Utah, so this is a term that is in our general vernacular. “Après ski” is a French phrase that literally translates to “after ski,” and it refers to the social activities and entertainment that take place after a day of skiing. Typically this could involve gathering at a ski lodge or bar to socialize, drink, and enjoy food. Après ski gathering could include socializing with fellow skiers, dancing, live music, following the end of the ski lift operations. This atmosphere is festive and some consider it a key part of ski culture. The vibe of Après ski is stylish, fashionable, social and fun. Tapping into the Après ski look is a really fun part of this stylish lifestyle. Check out my LTK shop for some really cute Après ski and Court Cozy looks.
A Great Read for January
This book is a must have for any tennis enthusiast. This book is a beautiful addition to my family room and I enjoy flipping through the pages, enjoying the quality photographs that are eye candy for any tennis fan.
Tennis is more than just a sport, it is a lifestyle that incorporates timeless elegance and notable style. The high-quality photographs in this book really capture the essence of the tennis lifestyle. Whether it is a beautiful destination or a nod to a player from years past, every page of this book is a treat for a tennis fan.
If you know the feeling of a well timed hit or the confidence of wearing a well made tennis fashion design, you will also get that feeling when you look at the pages of this book. The simple aesthetic beauty of this book will also tickle the fancy of an artistic eye, whether or not you are a tennis player. It is just that delightful.
This book is a visual journey into the tennis lifestyle that I love to chase. “What is ‘tennis lifestyle’ some may ask” it can be an elusive thing to describe. This book does the best tribute to the elegance and style that make up the experience of playing tennis.
If you are a tennis player yourself or simply enjoy the drama and dynamic nature of the elegant sport of tennis, “The Stylish Life Tennis” is a timeless work that will captivate you again and again. You will find my copy front and center in our main gathering room.
Recipe of the Month
Caramel Brie with Fresh Fruit
This is one of my all time favorite dishes to make. Some years I make this for myself instead of having a birthday cake, I love it that much! I hope you will love it as well.
Find Ingredients Here
See More Tennis and Fashion Shopping Ideas at My LTK Shop
Hope you are having a ball in the month of November and enjoy some great tennis vibes! It might be a bit cold outside, but finding a life balance of friends, family, exercise and sunshine helps bring joy and purpose to life. Now call up a friend or find a wall to hit against and get out there and hit! If you have any questions or want to reach out to me, please drop me a DM at katri@tennisyellow.com
Love all,
Katri
