Do we all want less noise and clutter in 2026?

Things to read, listen to, watch, think about at the top of the new year

Jan 9 • Alisha Ramos

107

22

3

December 2025

Our Favorite Things From 2025

The things readers and I loved most this year.

Dec 31, 2025 • Alisha Ramos

69

5

Recs #114

A bevy of pre-holiday-break links for your clicking pleasure

Dec 19, 2025 • Alisha Ramos

75

8

3 Good Things with Emma Straub

"People (strangers!) often stop me and my family on the street to tell us that our outfits make them smile."

Dec 14, 2025 • Alisha Ramos

92

12

4

A Very Good Reading List for Winter

A comfort-read list for cold days, suggested by favorite Substackers and Downtime readers.

Dec 10, 2025 • Alisha Ramos

103

165

1

Recs #113

In defense of doing all the holiday things anyway

Dec 8, 2025 • Alisha Ramos

72

33

5

The mental load of the holidays

The tiny systems that keep me from unraveling every year...

Dec 3, 2025 • Alisha Ramos

85

23

1

November 2025

Creative boundaries, reading rituals, and scent as storytelling with Ingrid Nilsen

A fragrance founder on protecting her energy, building a sensory brand, and living offline.

Nov 14, 2025 • Alisha Ramos and Ingrid Nilsen

88

66

3

Recs #111

and (trying) not to feel guilty about it

Nov 7, 2025 • Alisha Ramos

84

83

2

October 2025

Recs #110

Breakfast ideas, fall books, and pretty lighting

Oct 31, 2025 • Alisha Ramos

72

8

Book Club Discussion: "Isola" by Allegra Goodman

Justice for Damienne!!

Oct 30, 2025 • Alisha Ramos

11

7

18:18

Recs #109

And very good socks.

Oct 24, 2025 • Alisha Ramos

72

19