Happy New Year! Tonight, Nicole is wearing her once-a-year Claude Montana silver metallic knit half-zip, purchased from mod boutique Amarcord (here in NYC, and which specializes in European and Italian vintage designer pieces). Jill is hitting a show in ATL to bring in the New Year, and we are also anxiously awaiting her Fiji report. Cheers!

What we’re covering: 

• Get your giggle juice on: a list of recommended American and NA sparkling wines, a surprising fact about Champagne’s history, the most expensive cities to buy Champagne & myth-busting the “spoon in the bottle” hack

• With the blingiest of holidays upon us, jewelry is back in a big way and it is —in our opinion—is the “new handbag.” We’ve got a quick diamond primer as well as some pieces to shop for tonight or the New Year

• New Year, New Water Intake Goals: the scoop, from an expert source, on how much water you really need to drink, and why it’s important beyond hydration 

• Plus, Epicurious’ most-saved recipes for 2025, books to read before the 2026 movie release, the best movies of 2025 & the wildest NYE “drops” around the country

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A toast

Let’s get giggle juice’d

The Skinny: A quick tipple, since tonight's the night where most everyone indulges in a little fizz. First, a bit of history: while most know that Champagne can only be called such if it’s from France’s Champagne region, it was news to us that several of the most storied Champagne maisons were built by a handful of widows. Women, at that time, were apparently forbidden to own businesses, yet widows could. Très intéressant.

Here in the U.S., the Champagne market has reportedly turned a bit flat over the last couple of years, but some say it’s making a mild turnaround. For those looking for less costly bubbles, here are the NYT’s picks for best American sparkling wines. And if only the finest Champagne will do, don’t worry, there’s a link within the story for those selects as well. 

Sidebar: Nicole’s longtime fave, which always makes people laugh and/or question how much she actually likes the host when showing up with it, is this Gruet from…New Mexico. HEAR US OUT. The vintner grew up in Champagne, uses la méthode champenoise and, as this reviewer notes, “for reasons unknown” decided to start a vineyard in an area of NM that happens to have favorable growing conditions. Highly rated, c’est bien! 

For those starting “Dry January” early, or who prefer NA, a list of the best alts that “deliver Champagne energy.” 

Bubbly hack: per the Scientific American, does putting a spoon in the bottle actually keep an open bottle sparkling and fresh? 

We’ll cap off this item with the NY Post’s overview (overflowing with epic puns) on the most expensive cities to get your fizz on. Guess which is No. 2…

Life essentials

New Year, New Water Intake Goals

The Skinny: Water consumption, like many other health topics, seems to be rather fluid in terms of truth and fact checking. Everyone NEEDS eight cups a day! Wait, no you totally don’t! Caffeine is dehydrating! And plain old water isn’t good enough, you need electrolytes! But not from sports drinks, those are baaaad!

That’s why we consulted an expert. Dr. Stavros Kavouras, a Yale-trained physiologist and founder of ASU’s Hydration Science Lab, to set the record straight. 

What's the really-real on how much water you need to drink and how should you calculate it? I've seen a lot of stories saying that you don't really need 6+ oz a day.

Dr. Kavouras: Honestly, the “8 glasses a day” rule isn’t far off, but it’s not one-size-fits-all. Just like everyone needs a different level of calories, nutrients and vitamins for their health needs and lifestyle considerations, water is the very same. Smart water bottles like HidrateSpark PRO 2 take the guesswork out by tracking your intake and reminding you when it’s time to sip.

What effects does even minor dehydration have on the body, and why?

Dr. Kavouras: You might think mild dehydration isn’t a big deal, but it can have a major impact. Even being slightly low on fluids can cause things like poor concentration, slower reaction times, and short-term memory issues. It can also make you feel more irritable or anxious. Physically, you might notice cramps or lightheadedness, and your performance can dip. One of the biggest reasons people don’t drink enough water is because they forget. Health tech products like HidrateSpark not only support the optimal amount, but they help to form new habits.

Should everyone also be drinking electrolytes and if so, why and how much?

Dr. Kavouras:  Even though balanced meals and water cover your electrolyte needs, electrolytes can enhance flavor and increase fluid intake. Also electrolytes can improve fluid absorption compared to plain water. I usually suggest adding electrolytes after workouts longer than 1 hour. For shorter sessions, you’re probably fine without them. However, if you’re a salty sweater (you see salt marks on your clothes), you might need a little extra assistance from supplements. There’s no magic drink yet for perfect hydration, but I wouldn’t be surprised if one shows up in the next few years.

We also had the opportunity to try this incredible water bottle—the HidrateSpark PRO 2—which, admittedly, was a little intimidating at first but also enlightening in that we definitely are not drinking enough H2O. It’s a pretty high tech “smart water bottle” that communicates with you via a soft pulsing light at the base, reminding you to drink (which, over the holidays, Nicole’s family members would say “oh your water bottle is mad at you again, you better drink up!”). But what we love about this water bottle is also its design, from the sleek overall look to the easy-to-drink-from spout. It’s also lockable and has a hinged lid for carrying. Plus, it’s stainless steel, and keeps your water cold for a LONG time, and protected from dust (not to mention, who has time to keep filling up a water glass). Highly recommend! 

Pro tip: For some, a pickle-to-go is a gym bag must-have. Here’s why: apparently, checking your t-shirts for white stains is an indicator of higher amounts of salt in your sweat. And if that’s you, tap into sports drinks post-workout (that include salt) or a snack like a pickle. Read more here:  Hydration 101: Drinking 8 Glasses of Water and Other Myths Debunked. 

PS: beyond liquids, you can also eat these H20 rich foods to help stay hydrated.

Hydration tablets, powders and liquids are what’s new/next as consumers are increasingly aware of the need for the right balance of salts and minerals in their diets.

Here is a good overview of when to drink hydration bevvies or when a glass of water will do the job. Most of the time, a glass of water and a nutrient-rich meal is all you need. The exceptions are; exercise, travel, raging hangovers, being outside in extreme heat, stress on your body, and possibly if you’re someone who just won’t drink enough plain ol’ water because it’s too boring. One to try, that we like and that has the added benefit of creatine, is this one by mindbodygreen (we tried the lemon/lime, and it was good without being too sweet or sugary). Check the link for a handy chart on the benefits of creatine in this electrolyte drink, especially if you’re doing strength training. Additionally, if you’re over 60, studies have shown that it could also help brain function.

Bling report  

Diamonds are still a girl’s best friend

The Skinny:  Real quick, because we don’t have a lot of time to get ready for tonight, let’s talk about sparkling jewelry—a tradition for New Year’s Celebrations. 

Jewelry is the new handbag, in our opinion: pairing statement jewelry pieces with a fresh complexion and healthy skin for your age is today’s modern status symbol. And further, aside from its role as an accessory, most jewelry holds personal meaning within—whether it be an heirloom, a piece that serves as a protective amulet, or something that has particular symbolism. 

Even if it’s too late to get some new bling for tonight (or maybe not! Here are some ideas and selects from Nordstrom*, including some of our favorite affordable luxury brands). 

(Note: some of these links are affiliates—which means, at no cost to you, that we will be partially compensated if you shop through them. We are not getting paid to write this newsletter, so this serves as a small cash flow to keep the newsletter running:)

Diamonds vs. Cubic Zirconia? Here’s what you need to know. 

Natural vs. Lab Diamonds? It’s a complex topic, but comes down to cost and preference. Both are real, with equal amounts of sparkle and brilliance, but one is made in a lab, while the other will make you feel more connected to the Earth and its elements—given that natural diamonds take millions of years to form. (And we won’t go down the rabbit hole of sustainability right now, since that is not cut and dry for either form.)

Last licks

This week’s newsfeed

• Forget the Times Square ball drop—we want to see these unique U.S. NYE drop traditions but especially, the Lebanon Bologna Drop (in Lebanon, PA). 

• On the big screen: the evolution of brand movies, some of the best films of 2025 to catch up on (one among many lists) and 38 of the most anticipated for 2026. 

• In the same thread, a list of books to read before their 2026 film release (yes, if Odysseus can make it home after 20 years of battling vengeful gods, the wine-dark sea and the nymph Calypso, you can make it through the Odyssey—which Nicole is currently re-reading).  

• Chicken Dinner is the winner, winner with chicken dishes taking the top five spots in Epicurious’ roundup of the most saved recipes in 2025.

*If you purchase something linked in The Skinny, we may get an affiliate commission—but at no additional cost to you.