Recs #86: Mini nightgowns, a funny podcast, and better than biscotti

A big brain dump of things and links I'm loving this week.

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Hello hello,

The thing that really cleared the mental cobwebs for me this week was getting outside. It feels cliché to advise others to touch grass (aka get offline and into nature), but the more I work for myself, the more I’m realizing I crave time spent away from my desk. Creativity seems to unlock more easily when I’m out in the world, not banging my head against my keyboard, willing the words and the imagery and the ideas to come. I have this quote saved from an interview with Jia Tolentino, which gets at the same idea: “If I’m incapable of thinking, I’ll go out and do something else right away—no loafing around and scrolling listlessly at home allowed, it’s a bad vibe.” No more bad vibes!

Whether or not you’re freelance or creative, I wonder—can you find a pocket of the day to step out? Move a muscle, change a thought. It works.

Of course, the arrival of spring has everything to do with my desire to be outside. The blooms beckon, the sunshine sparkles, there’s a promise of renewal, of a reset. The invitation is there. Will you take it?

The prettiest pink ombré dogwood flowers I saw in the neighborhood

Anyway! I’ve got a brain dump of links and recs for you today. Behind the curtain, I’ve been quietly lining up some exciting interviews, a few book reviews I’m excited about, and more. All coming soon—I can’t wait to share.

Wishing you a gentle, joy-sprinkled weekend. What’s on your agenda? We’re taking Lily to her very first Easter egg hunt, and I’m far more excited about it than anyone. :)

—Alisha

This week’s recommendations

Including a fun new go-to podcast and the shoe I’m wearing almost daily…