10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week
Just peppering you with some highly specific small joys.
This is the Friday post at Downtime, a feel-good weekly roundup of recommendations and delightful distractions. If the email cuts off, you can view it on the web.
Somehow it’s mid-November and Thanksgiving (for my U.S. readers) is rushing towards us with urgent speed, completely oblivious to all the *gestures wildly* stuff happening in the world.
So! The important question must be asked: What’s on your Thanksgiving menu this year? Does anyone have a favorite stuffing recipe to share? Are you team canned cranberry or fresh? (Always the can for us!) My favorite dish that’s received rave reviews from guests in the past is this mashed potatoes with “crispety cruncheties” dish by Molly Baz and
, from the 2019 Thanksgiving edition of Bon Appétit, which I have lovingly stashed in our cookbook pile.Now it’s your turn—tell me in the comments! What Thanksgiving dish are you excited to make? Favorite recipes welcome.
—Alisha
P.S. Downtime gift guides are coming! They’re just a little late, thanks to an unrelenting cocktail of daycare-borne illnesses making the rounds in our household (the latest being hand, foot, and mouth disease—trust me, don’t Google it). Thank you for your patience, dear readers.
Today’s newsletter is sponsored by Hinge. Thanks for supporting the brands that help keep Downtime going.
10 Small Joys From The Week
I’m breaking from the usual format this week and rather than share recommendations, I’m offering a list of 10 things that made me happy this week. Because…it’s been a hard month. Here we go.
1. Looking at and buying good art.
Local artist Carolyn Misterek’s paintings have always been a favorite of mine. If you’re a fan of flowers and oil paintings, you might love her work too. I currently own two large-format originals and a few small pieces, and I just bought this moody print from her shop. I always think buying art that speaks to you is a wonderful investment and a great way to support a creative.
Honorable mentions:
Happy Menocal’s work speaks volumes to me—the vibrant colors, the whimsy, the childlike wonder. It’s all so fun! She doesn’t sell her work and primarily works as a wedding and commercial artist, but I like looking at her stuff anyway.
On election day, caught in an anxious fever dream, I floated over to Michael’s to buy the same watercolor inks that Happy uses. (As if the materials make the artist!) Looking back, I realize the purchase was a form of spiritual protection, and I have no regrets.
Watching artist Riley Sheehey paint vintage editions of classic books will always soothe me. How adorable is this Charlotte’s Web edition? And this holiday classic…
2. Embracing a “monk mode” morning.
As Cal Newport describes it, this practice means no phone, no internet, no social media, and no email until noon. It’s a gentler, quieter way to start the day, allowing me to avoid the overstimulation of social media in the mornings. I've found it refreshing to have space to think, write, and plan with a calm, focused mind.
3. “Healing fiction” is popular in Korea and Japan.
I’m predicting it’s going to have a moment in the U.S. in 2025, too.
“Cozy, whimsical novels — often featuring magical cats — that have long been popular in Japan and Korea are taking off globally. Fans say they offer comfort during a chaotic time.”
Chaotic indeed. Also, how great are these covers?
4. Sprucing up a neglected space (our guest bedroom) on a budget.
Our good friend is staying with us soon, so I took the opportunity to pick up this pillow from Schoolhouse to brighten up the space. I couldn’t find a bedside table I loved (still endlessly scrolling Facebook Marketplace…), so I improvised by flipping a woven laundry hamper upside down and calling it a day.
If you have a space in need of some extra love, consider this your permission to go ahead and buy that beautiful home item you’ve been eyeing.
5. Enjoying tea, cookies, and a comfort read in the evening.
Honestly, my brain just… couldn’t this past week, with the election stress and all the illnesses going around at home. This cozy combo was exactly what I needed.
The cookie bark is from Tate’s (SO good), this middle-grade fantasy book is a perfect escapist read, full of adventure, bravery, and magical creatures, and this gorgeous handpainted mug (which was kindly gifted to me) has quickly become my new favorite. (And any tea will do, but if you’re looking for the coziest recommendations, check out this previous edition of Downtime.)
6. The Martha documentary on Netflix.
Have you watched this yet? I went in expecting the usual self-congratulatory tone of most celebrity documentaries, but it surprised me by addressing Martha’s jail time and her notoriously brusque demeanor with employees head-on. I had also completely forgotten just how off the radar she was until about 2016-ish. Martha’s militaristic, perfectionist tendencies are an interesting foil to Ina Garten’s warm, easygoing style showcased in her memoir.
7. Feeling excited for PIE SEASON.
What’s your favorite pie to bake this time of year? I’m no star baker, so I ordered a few pies from our favorite local, woman-owned, Korean-owned bakery.
I’m also loving this New York Times pie package—they hit it out of the park with this one and the visuals are stunning. Bookmarking these recipes for when the time feels right. (That coconut caramel tart—omg!)
And, of course, Martha has her take, too:
8. Enjoying a major light bulb moment about personal style.
Lately, I’ve been diving into the archives of my Pinterest board for style inspiration. My thought process: if something I pinned years ago still feels stylish today, maybe it’s my personal style north star. Or if there’s a particular person whose looks I keep saving, could they be my style muse?
For me, Alexa Chung keeps reappearing. Her style is timeless and effortlessly classic. I found an image of hers from 2018, and I genuinely couldn’t tell if it was from then or 2024—now that’s true, enduring style.
It’s a handy little life hack, too. In the mornings, I find myself asking, “What would Alexa Chung wear?” Usually, the answer is jeans, a knit, some killer boots, and a coat. Easy.
It might be a fun experiment to try yourself. We tend to bookmark, save, and file things away, rarely revisiting them. But what new inspiration might strike when we do? Plus, it’s a great way to escape doomscrolling—you’re archivescrolling instead.
9. Celebrating the fact that Bad Sisters has returned with Season 2.
Thank you, dear lord, for bringing us season two of this show just when we needed it. I’ve heard this season takes a darker turn. Who else will be watching?
10. This delightfully bookish candle collaboration.
This collab between Books Are Magic and Joya Studio is calling every Downtime readers’ name. The “Books” candle smells heavenly—fresh citrus with a touch of woodsy warmth. This would make a fabulous gift for any literature lover.
And now I’d love to hear from you…
What were your highly specific small joys this week? (However teeny tiny they were!)
Just a few more fun links to click…
If you’re into love stories with all the messy, real parts left in, check out No Ordinary Love. Authors like Roxane Gay and R.O. Kwon wrote the love stories of real couples who met on Hinge—including all the twists, quirks, and perfect imperfections. Take a peek here.*
Was *not* expecting this: I’m thrilled to see that Bridget Jones is coming back! (And that Leo Woodall from One Day will be in the new film.)
A cozy, bookish listen: This was a fun podcast episode about how food is depicted in children’s literature.
Doom spending: On this blouse from Sézane to wear with jeans for holiday dinners and fall/winter date nights.
Would be perfect for a kids’ room: These darling door knobs from Zara
Well timed: Journalist
is launching a new series interviewing people who have left America for Paris.Escapist fiction: This was an excellent roundup of fantasy books recommended by the NYT.
Sale alert: Hill House is having a 30% off everything sale that ends *tomorrow*! Sharing because I know many Downtime readers are big fans, as am I. My top picks are this dress, these PJ’s, and this sweater. (Sizing goes to XXL)
A comment from Downtime reader Meaghan: “Thank you SO MUCH for sharing the Land’s End fleece-lined leggings (and flannel pjs!). Cozy pants never seem to give my tum enough room, but these are perfect. And incredibly soft. Seriously, the best comfy bottoms I’ve had in years. I could (and just might) wear them daily. You made my cold weather days!” What an endorsement! Should we all join the cozy pants club?
*Sponsored mention. All opinions are my own and Downtime is not affiliated with any of the other mentioned parties.
✨ DOWNTIME SUBSCRIBER GIVEAWAY ✨
I’m starting monthly giveaways for paid subscribers, featuring some lovely items that brands occasionally send my way. This week, I’m giving away a special holiday set from the haircare brand ROZ to one lucky paid Downtime subscriber. ($148 value)
I’ll select the winner on Monday using a random number generator! You must be 18 or older and live in the U.S. to be eligible to win. This giveaway is not sponsored by any brand, it’s just a brand/product that I love. If you’d like to join our paid community and be eligible for giveaways and other perks, click here. Thank you!
💬 Psst: Give a rec, get a rec in our subscriber chat. Right now, there are threads about the best bed sheets, Great British Bakeoff upsets, and recs for really great notebooks!
PREVIOUSLY ON DOWNTIME
Coming up next: An author interview who has a wonderful new book out and some holiday gift guides. Also, I haven’t forgotten about the city book clubs mentioned last week—just working some things out on the back end before we organize a space to make them happen. Take care! x Alisha
Loved the format of the newsletter this week! One of my cozy joys was actually completing an autumnal craft for my new home! It always feels good to make things with my hands. A low-stakes craft is especially soothing, and I paired it with a WONDERFUL audiobook, Greta & Valdin (highly recommend!)
I love watching Shrinking. It’s heart warming and always gives me a good cry which has been much needed. Also, getting a shampoo & hair cut is a wonderful way to feel pampered. I love my hairstylist and it’s nice to feel taken care of!
Other than that, I’ve been focusing on bigger joys like seeing Broadway shows (i live in NYC) and a concert! An active social life is very helpful :)