Today’s letter is unlocked for everyone thanks to our sponsor, Sol de Janeiro. Despite the bleak news and weather, there were quite a few good and useful things to share from the past month, so I thought I’d share a quick roundup. A perfect example of the kind of thing that’s been keeping me buoyant lately: This past Wednesday night, I had the best time chatting with author Olivia Muenter about her new literary suspense novel, Little One, which I gobbled up in just two days. If you attended in person at East City Bookshop in D.C. or virtually, I hope you had a blast laughing with us about cults, Twin Flames, hot journalists, and immaculate vibes. The event was a good reminder that it’s always worth trekking to your local bookstore to participate in bookish community. I made a mental note to do more of these in 2026. Books are magic! Book chats count as self-care!  If you're into the idea of a fast-paced story about a wellness cult in Florida...this is the book for you! (Ty to reader Kate for taking this photo, I completely forgot to take any pics last night) Things I Recommend That Made My Life Better Last MonthScroll less.I use the free version of the Opal app, and it works shockingly well for me. I’ve reduced my average time on Instagram from something like 1 hour plus to 15 minutes or less. !!! Many, many of you are also really into the Brick device. I say, do what actually works for you to avoid doomscrolling! Decide when your workday actually ends.Pick a time and let that be the end of it. Laptop closed, work put away once the clock hits 8pm, or whenever your cutoff is. I also like to challenge myself to just focus on one, fun thing. As in, no little screen while the big screen is on to quickly check emails. No checking texts while reading a book. Just good old-fashioned enjoyment of one thing (can you even imagine!!). My track record so far is mixed but I’d like to keep trying. It feels nice to completely shut my brain off and turn on an ep of Bridgerton. Take your shower at night.Why aren't we all doing this? Or are we?? There’s no better feeling than sliding into your sheets after a relaxing, warm shower with the smug knowledge that you’re fully clean and won’t have to take a rushed one in the morning. And I recently picked up this post-shower tip from a friend: don’t be shy about layering on a scented moisturizer or mist before getting into bed for the full sensory experience.  On the left: The Rosa Charmosa Dewy Cream, which is more juicy-tart and has a satisfying whipped butter texture. On the right: The Bom Dia Bright Cream, which makes me smell like a cherry cheesecake. Sol de Janeiro recently sent me their Rosa Charmosa Dewy Cream to try, and it’s up to the task for hydrating your skin and wrapping you up in a punchy cocoon of fragrance pre-bedtime. The scent “Cheirosa 91” is floral-forward, with juicy, fruity notes. (If you’re into layering, there’s a perfume mist, too.) I’ve been rubbing it over my belly (currently doing heroic work in the third trimester), and it’s felt like a small but very welcome nightly treat. Downtime readers can use the code DOWNTIME10 for 10% off & free shipping on soldejaneiro.com.¹ Make a perfect latte at home.After asking the Downtime reader chat for your best espresso machine recs and hearing many of you gush about Breville’s espresso machines, we decided to go with this model that includes coffee-grinding and milk-frothing capabilities. (Not to be confused with the model one step above it, the “Express Impress” which has the tamping feature included. It turns out tamping manually is pretty easy.)
And reader, we now use this every single day. 10/10 would recommend. I haven’t ordered a thing from Starbucks since. The appeal is not only the end product but the low-effort, high-reward rhythm: pull a shot, steam milk, drink something genuinely good before the emails start flying. Ahhh. We’ve been buying beans from Ceremony, but I suspect there’s an even better option lurking. Bean connoisseurs, please share your recs in the comments. For anyone tired of throwing out soggy cilantro…
I have a highly specific rec for you. Seeing our cilantro, parsley, dill, etc., wilt away sadly in their plastic produce bags was driving me nuts, so I took matters into my own hands. This herb keeper, which has a built-in strainer, has earned its keep. Not only do the herbs stay fresh longer, but our fridge looks much more aesthetically pleasing without all those ugly plastic bags. My next mission: get the Cheese Drawer under control. Build yourself a go-to WFH uniform.
On any given day, you’ll find me wearing this $14 Hanes sweatshirt, a pair of elastic waist sweater pants from Donni, colorful socks, and Rothy’s clogs. It’s not sartorially inspiring, but it feels like wearing pajamas to work that I can also dash out in. Comfort is key right now. For daycare drop-offs and pickups, I throw on a longline wool coat to feel a bit more pulled together. I like that the belt keeps my coat somewhat closed, which is helpful as I refused to buy a “maternity jacket extender” or a larger-sized coat in a lower quality fabric. Add a wide, warm scarf to cover any exposed bits, and voilà, it does the trick. (My exact coat is almost sold out, but this one is similar.)
Read a book that makes you feel things.The best work of fiction I read in January was, hands down, Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell. Is there anyone who writes historical fiction like O’Farrell? (Okay, fine, Hilary Mantel…) The film adaptation is now on streaming, and I’m gathering up the emotional fortitude to finally watch it. In the nonfiction category, The Perfectionist’s Guide to Losing Control helped me spot a few habits and patterns that probably deserve more attention. Full review and takeaways coming soon in a nonfic book recs roundup. Curious to hear if you’ve read anything good lately? Get yourself a bag that can do both.My favorite brand discovery of the month: If you’re in the market for a hands-free bag that feels grown up, meet The Horse, an indie Australian accessories brand. They make what I’d call the platonic ideal of a utilitarian, grown-up crossbody—think the practicality of a Uniqlo or Lululemon crossbody bag, upgraded to beautiful leather and thoughtful design. And at a price point that doesn’t feel ludicrous!
It looks mom-life friendly for when you need to be hands-free and not bogged down by a giant shoulder bag, but well-made and gorgeous enough to pivot into a professional meeting. Filing this one away for a potential fall purchase. Keep one toy in rotation that buys you quiet time.The thing about two-year-olds is they do not stop moving, chatting, or demanding snacks. Thus, any toy that encourages independent play and buys us some moments of quiet is an absolute win in our household. Mudpuppy sent us this 12-piece puzzle, which has become a favorite for Lily, who can spend twenty-ish minutes with it alone. It comes in a pouch for space-saving storage, another win. I’m officially on the hunt for new puzzles to rotate in next. I think she’d be into this one or this reusable sticker set, but please share any other independent play recs in the comments. I love hearing her squeals of “Look mama, I did it all by myself!” when she completes a puzzle. :,) Saved & NotedThe best stuff I bookmarked this month. Four things that earned a spot on my wishlist…
Mindful consumption note: I keep these on a true wishlist and let them simmer a bit. I go back in after a month or so to see if I really want or need them. Highly rec this practice. What I screenshotted this month that I’m still thinking about…This cozy day-bed design by British designer Emma Ainscough, featured in AD.
I also saved this shot of creator Hadley Greene’s stack of vintage House & Garden issues. I must, must find some of these for screen free inspo time. I mean, these covers. Swoon! What you loved most from Downtime in January
What were your favorite little upgrades, products, books, shows, etc. last month? Drop it in the comments. I’ll choose one commenter whose rec I love to win a free 1-year subscription to Downtime.
1 Thanks to our friends at Sol de Janeiro for sponsoring today’s letter. The discount code will be available to use from Feb 6th 12am ET-11:59pm March 6th. You’re currently a free subscriber to Downtime. If you love what you read and discover here, consider upgrading to paid for the full experience for $5/mo. THANK YOU for being here!
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petak, 6. veljače 2026.
10 Things I Loved Most Last Month
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