Recs #109

Fall rituals and art heists

This is the Friday recs post at Downtime, a weekly roundup of culture, books, delights, and things on my radar for my paying readers. Upgrade here, if you’d like!

I know it’s a cliché, but fall really does feel like a busy season for moms, especially the ones who thought they were signing up for “low-lift” crafts and family photos that somehow became full-scale productions (hi, me).

Cut to me last night, hunched over the playroom floor with a tiny glue gun, assembling a felt flower hairpiece that has maybe a 20 percent chance of actually making it onto my toddler’s head for her costume parade. Earlier that day, we had our family photos taken for holiday cards, an activity that involved outfit coordination, hair brushing, and the logistics equivalent of a small event.

None of this is a complaint, to be clear. I could easily opt out of these traditions, but the truth is, I love them. I live for this time of year, and all the little rituals and creativity that come with it. Busy and happy and full, that’s my current status update. How are you holding up?

xo Alisha

Catch up on the latest on Downtime: See my updated baby registry recommendations (with a VERY active comments thread!), my list of bookish and design-y spots in NYC, readers’ and friends’ 50+ autumnal favorites. (Also, thank you for all your nice notes on our baby news. I’m always touched by how kind this group is.)

Book club news: We’re wrapping up our Isola read this month, and I’ll share a comments thread for that soon so we can discuss. For our November and December pick, we have a fun announcement coming, and will need your input. Stay tuned!

Reader chat spotlight: A few questions from the community that could use your input…

“I’m looking for some stylish flats that have arch support, that are cute and don’t look totally orthopedic 👵 Nisolo or Rothys have NOT been great, need something with more comfort! Would love your recs!!” — SG

“I went shopping at an actual mall today and everything was so… generic. Just sad sameness all around. Where are people finding things with personality and flair that aren’t $150 for an acrylic sweater?” — Ryn L.

“Help me find my Goldilocks trench coat: suitable for petite + curvy, no epaulettes, durable/quality fabric, but still flows or drapes- not too stiff, less structured shoulders.” — Anjali

1 // Two new kitchen favorites.

This hand soap smells fresh and herbaceous, and I like that it’s not an eyesore out on our countertops. And this kitchen cleaner makes our house smell like a spa!!! I’m a new fan of this brand; they also make this fruit & veggie wash that makes daycare lunch prep a lot easier.

2 // Pretty planners.

If you also simply can’t say no to nice stationery, you’ll likely love this brand of paper goods. This 2026 yearly planner caught my eye (I like the cover and layout of the pages), and this leather-bound notebook would make a great gift for that aspiring novelist in your life.

Continued below the paywall: What shows to watch this weekend, my current read, the book I just finished that was a *masterpiece*, my favorite source for very good socks, a few kid/toddler finds, lots of links, and some good articles/newsletters to read…