This has been a funky week. I think we could all use a bit of a palate cleanser, so I’m sharing something new and perhaps a bit odd today: a cozy vignette of a quiet summer morning. Below that, I have the usual notes from my week, including an inspiring post on creativity for when you’re feeling stuck, plus a new approach to “being online” I’m trying (that still gives me permission to use all the apps). Hope you have a lovely and restful weekend! x Alisha

PICTURE THIS—it’s a quiet summer morning…

You’re sitting outside while the rest of the house is still sound asleep, sipping iced coffee from your favorite ceramic mug, the one with the painted flowers. The cool, smooth ceramic feels soothing against your palms, a comforting contrast to the warmth of the air. Your gaze drifts over to the garden bed; the blooms on the cosmos seem to get bigger each year. You take a deep breath as you open a new book, a feeling of giddiness overcoming you as you turn to page one. You know this moment of solitude is rare and precious. Today is the beginning of something good, something sweet. ∎

~ ~ ~

I know “cozy” doesn’t come to mind when thinking of summer, but some of my favorite moments have been spent enjoying quiet slivers of time to myself in the early hours or evenings. I hope this inspires you to embrace the same.

SET THE SCENE WITH…

• A charming bow mug.

• Cozy pajamas.

• A magical book.

• Quilted gingham slippers.

• A beautiful candle votive, made of handblown glass.

• Charming ruffled pillows.

• A bowl of fresh, peak blueberries. :)

What I’m reading…

I’m nearly finished reading Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe. If you’re looking for a funny and fairly easy read, this is it! I’ve talked about this book a lot already, so I don’t want to give too much away, but it involves OnlyFans, new motherhood, and pro-wrestling. It’s fantastic on audio too, narrated by Elle Fanning.

What’s next on my to-read list…

• The Bright Sword by Lev Grossman. This new fantasy release is by the author of the wildly popular Magicians trilogy, which was later adapted into a TV show. Grossman's latest work dives into Arthurian legend, but instead of focusing on King Arthur, it tells the stories of the knights and peripheral figures of the tale. I’m planning to save this one for the fall, when the crisp air and turning leaves make the perfect backdrop for a legendary adventure.

• The Cliffs by J. Courtney Sullivan. The cover of this one made me think it’s not for me, but after reading the description, I thought otherwise. A seaside cliff in Maine, an old Victorian house, a career as a Harvard archivist? I’m all in.

• The Perfect Couple by Elin Hilderbrand. I mentioned this one last week. Can’t wait.

Giving this show another try…

A hilarious TikTok singlehandedly convinced me to give My Lady Jane another shot after I initially turned it off during a scene where a woman turns into a bird—it felt too silly after the serious tone of House of the Dragon. So, that’s what I’ll be watching this weekend. Have you seen it? For a related read, check out Vanity Fair’s article, “Bridgerton Walked So My Lady Jane Could Trot.”

On having days without feeds…

This week on the internet, for me, was just a lot.

Between the election, the astounding amount of sales content around Prime Day and the Nordstrom Sale—sales that I knowingly and willingly took part of as a creator/influencer—and some (in my opinion) niche drama happening within my industry, I feel a bit uneasy and restless. When I plopped onto the couch yesterday, I felt that my eyes were bloodshot from all the screen time I’ve had this week. My head was ringing. I felt jumpy. I need a digital palate cleanser of sorts. So this is my plan for this weekend and next week that’s worked for me in the past…

[The rest of today’s newsletter is continued for my paid subscribers this week. I’ll occasionally paywall this newsletter as a big thank you to the supporters who make it possible!]...