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.

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

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?

❤️ 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...