Top Notes: January

A big recap of the big and little things I've been loving this past month.

Today’s newsletter is a *lengthy* one (1800 words), a personal roundup chock full of my favorite things from the month of January—which we all know was actually several months packed into one month. 🫠 (View the web version if this email cuts off for you.)

I’m also sharing this month’s paid subscriber giveaway, filled with a bunch of really good beauty products brands have sent me.

What's included: Crown Affair shampoo and conditioner, Dr. Jart+ masks, the new travel capsules from Cadence (I already own these and they're so good), Medik8 retinols, Medik8 moisturizing cream, Dr. Idriss depuffer serum, Ami Colé brow shaping gel and cream multistick, and Act + Acre hair products (not pictured here). Total value is something like $400+! It's a great prize!

How to enter: Paid subs can leave a comment in this chat thread by next Monday 6pm EST to enter.

These monthly recaps are a subscriber-only newsletter. To become a paid subscriber, click the button below. Thank you so much for your support.

The most popular issue in January was: My favorite reads of 2024 and bookish goals going into 2025. I loved seeing yours in the comments!

🛒 The most clicked on stuff that you bought last month were:

• These butter soft sweatpants that look and feel expensive. I wore these for 80% of January—WFH, daycare pickups, grocery runs, and so on. 🙃 The 25” inseam is perfect for my fellow shorties.*

• A perfect white t-shirt. This one’s on the thin, flowy, drapey side. The cut is good and would be great for spring layering.* (If you’re looking for a thicker white tee, this one is my go-to.)

• A cozy sherpa half-zip. I’m jealous of everyone who got this.

• SO many of you bought socks. We’re now all part of the ankle sock fan club.

• And fancy candles.* This one smells heavenly. I keep it on my desk.

*asterisk = items that were gifted to me by the brand to test. not sponsored.

💬 The buzziest reader chat threads were:

• Does anyone have recs for an alternative down pillow?

• What’s your go-to outfit for a long flight?

• What are the best wood cutting board and cooking utensil brands?

The people like these wood spatulas!

❤️ And the top reader comment was this bit of joy:

“What’s keeping me cozy: My bird feeder!! I love seeing all the birds flitting about in the snow that will never go away. My kids and I make up stories about their personalities when I'm forcing a screen time break for all of us.”

— From reader kcaccamo in response to this issue on how we kept cozy in the gloom of January

To continue reading, consider sustaining Downtime for the long term and becoming a paid subscriber for bonus posts and other perks. ❤️

Read on for…

• A short life catch-up, behind-the-scenes bits, and how I’ve been doing lately

• A news consumption routine that works for me

• This month in books

• The recipes I cooked and loved this month (including an MVP granola recipe)

• A few tried-and-tested beauty favorites I enthusiastically recommend