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Brittany Viklund's avatar

Perfect timing, I have Lunar Love queued up as my next read! 😄 Also LOVED Arsenic and Adobo.

I love the tip about the phone as a landline, I do this from 9pm to 9am give or take and it works really well (also I keep it downstairs and far away from my bed at night). My favorite phone hack is putting my phone on airplane mode so I can still use it to capture shots of my kids (although I'm working to do less of that this year).

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Allie's avatar

Wait, pretending your cell phone is a landline is SUCH a good idea. I was thinking about this the other day and asking myself "why are you carrying your phone all over your apartment? What do you need it for in the two seconds it takes to walk there and back?!" Will be implementing this practice, especially over the weekend!!

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Maris Feeley's avatar

I saved this email for today (1/20) specifically so I could have reading that gave me a cozy, joy-filled moment with everything coming... Thank you for creating a bright corner of the internet <3

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Alisha Ramos's avatar

❤️❤️❤️

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Isabel's avatar

I also saw the cell phone as a landline strategy and I LOVE it!! Such a simple idea but so powerful. Loved this issue and Lauren’s interview - and all your recs as always! 💕

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Alisha Ramos's avatar

Hi Isabel, congrats! You won the 831 Stories giveaway - could you email me when you get a moment? alisha@downtimenewsletter.com

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Isabel's avatar

Ah yay!!! Yes, will email you now!! 🥳

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Katie Knecht's avatar

I'm still catching up on my inbox from the holidays (???) and loved this read. The landline tip — brilliant. I'd be happy to provide my recs for Downtime if you're looking for more guests 🤗

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Keely's avatar

Oh my god. Implementing the landline tip immediately. My mind is blown!!

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Alisha Ramos's avatar

It’s so simple but so effective!

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Libby Strait's avatar

Currently reading and really enjoying Impossible Creatures, which I think may have been mentioned in a previous post by Alisha! Have 831’s Big Fan on hold at the library!

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Ashley's avatar

I'm reading Death of the Author and can't put it down! I can't predict where it's going, making it an even better read. I also recommend What Goes With What, a cookbook by Julia Turshen. It's elevated my cooking game. I make a new recipe from the book every week, and it's such a highlight.

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Liz A's avatar

I love the WTC Substack and I still need to make that soup. Maybe this weekend. I have also been wanting to make this BA chicken soup which looks delish: https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/miso-chicken-soup-squash-tiny-pasta

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Dannia's avatar

The tip on treating my phone like a landline? Genius. I will definitely start implementing that so I can be more present with my toddler.

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Alisha Ramos's avatar

Hi Dannia, congrats! You won the 831 Stories giveaway - could you email me when you get a moment? alisha@downtimenewsletter.com

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Dannia's avatar

Emailing right now! Thank you!!

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Sarah J's avatar

My favorite protein/veggie packed dinner hack is a one pan orzo skillet. There are a bunch of recipes online and you can basically make it with anything - plus it’s like a simple paella/risotto! One of my favorites is Italian inspired - brown Italian sausage in a pan with any aromatics you like, deglaze with some lemon, pour in a cup of orzo, toast til brown, then add two cups water or broth. Cover and let simmer for 20mins, then I’ll add frozen peas or spinach about 15 minutes in. Top with feta and voila!

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Brittany Sullivan's avatar

Something I’m loving right now: my new balaclava. It’s freezing here in NYC and as someone who hates having to carry a hat and a big scarf around with me, the balaclava has been a game changer. ❄️

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Nim's avatar

I am on the hunt for a good balaclava!! Unsure why I only recently realized it’s like the perfect 2-in-1 combo winter accessory

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Anya's avatar

I'm so happy to see Lauren Kung Jessen in today's post! I help manage acquisitions (new books) for my library system and suggested her latest for this month's order. We ordered it, and I already know it will be a hit with our patrons!

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Julia Levine's avatar

I love the idea of pretending your phone is a landline. I usually do this at night as I leave my phone outside of my room and charging at my desk at night, but think I will do this throughout the day as well! Thank you for these cozy recs <3

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Angela Rodiek's avatar

Something I’m loving right now: the bend app. I have been using it for stretching every morning and even got my 4 year old son into it. He does the stretches with me and then does his own yoga class on the Cosmic Kids YoutTube channel. It’s been a great way to start the day!!

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Vicky's avatar

100% watching Plus One!! Thank you for the rec!! <3

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