What is Downtime?
Downtime is a top lifestyle newsletter on Substack featuring delights worth your time — and examining what’s capturing our attention right now. I believe in embracing the little pleasures in life (because life right now is, well, a little stressful for many of us!) and this is where I come to chat about them: a mix of good books to read, beautiful things catching my eye, and travel destinations that provide inspiration.
I like to think of it as “little treat culture” in newsletter form - I hope it brings you a bit of joy every week and that you learn or discover something new. And most of all, that you’re encouraged to slow down for just a bit.
Aside from recs, I regularly publish interviews with authors, creatives, and generally interesting people who have distinct perspectives on their downtime and reading lives (and, of course, great book recs of their own).
Downtime is currently read by over 100,000 subscribers worldwide. The best thing about Downtime IMO is that it’s a buzzing community of like-minded, curious people. We have a killer subscriber chat where you can get and give recommendations for virtually anything travel/style/kid-related (definitely join in there!).
Each month, I create guides and recommendations exclusively for paid subscribers (because they’re time-intensive to create). Subscriptions are $5/month and support independent writing and curation by a real human, not AI!!
(If you’re a student, currently unemployed, or otherwise can’t swing a subscription, please shoot me an email, and I’ll comp you, no questions asked: alisha@downtimenewsletter.com)
Who writes this?
I’m Alisha Ramos, a longtime newsletter writer (and former founder of Girls’ Night In) and avid reader. I’ve been interviewed at places like Good Morning America, The New York Times, and The Cut for my work in the women’s media space. I quit my tech job in my twenties to go out on a limb to work for myself, and luckily, it somehow worked out for me. I founded and grew Girls’ Night In in my twenties until I burned out, and decided to take things at a slower pace—that’s how Downtime came to be. I live in the Washington, D.C. area with my husband and two young kids, and I’m always in the middle of [at least!!] three books in various formats.
Where else can I find you?
Send me a note at alisha@downtimenewsletter.com and follow me on Instagram @alisharamos. I save my favorite things on ShopMy.
Want to work together?
I partner with brands I personally use and love that underwrite and sponsor Downtime newsletters. Past sponsors include Alex Mill, Sézane, J.Crew, Shopbop, and East Fork. For sponsorship inquiries, please contact kristin@downtimenewsletter.com.
I also offer editorial services, newsletter strategy consulting, and author interviews for publications and on stage. To work together, reach me at alisha@downtimenewsletter.com.
NOTE: I use affiliate links when applicable, which means I may earn a small commission on purchases you make at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting my work and trusting me with your time.
