content(ed): week one

When I started blogging in 2010, I shared a new post every single day. (I still can’t believe I had that kind of time. What is free time?!) My blog was a place I shared everything under the sun. As my life evolved, I found it harder to share some of the finer details. In my heart, I knew this space had to take a backseat. My offline life, as I like to call it, deserved my attention — and still does.

Adventures look very different in 2021. Even if it’s as simple as taking a new turn on your run (as seen above!) or putting a toe back in a familiar yet different pool (like blogging), we can find contentment in the simple things. It’s one of the biggest lessons I gleaned from 2020. In 2021, I intend to post a weekly round-up of what I’m reading, watching, listening to, and sharing. My hope is that these round-ups can inspire you to explore something new and we can learn something together along the way. xo Alison

READING

• I finally picked up Educated, after staring at it on my nightstand for longer than I care to admit. This year, I’m angling to read more (just like many folks commit to doing in a new year). When I started blogging a decade ago, I feel like my reading time was replaced by learning and writing myself. As our kids have grown, the evenings became filled with work of all kinds. (If the recovery notices from my Garmin are any indication, my body does much better when I take a few minutes to pause before bed… not on my phone.)

WATCHING

• Like nearly everyone on my IG feed, we finished up Bridgerton last week. Bath, where they filmed much of the show, is a special place for me. I have fond memories of a trip in my teens (which coincided with Prince William’s 16th birthday), spent meandering this beautiful city.
• It isn’t new, but my new HGTV binge is Good Bones. I love hearing how they’re shaking things up in Indianapolis, the capital of my home state. I also appreciate how they’re making budget conscious decisions, while still seeking to preserve the historic elements of the homes.

LISTENING

• Speaking of Bridgerton, I was so grateful for its introduction to the Vitamin String Quartet. They make some (not-so-suitable for kids) songs safe for their little ears. Beyond that, it’s just beautiful how they bring a pop song to life in a new way.
• After a few weeks of encore broadcasts, I’m excited to have new episodes of The Daily back in my feed. (These were my favorite podcasts a few years back; I should do an updated list!) I’m always looking for new podcasts, so if you have suggestions, I’m all ears.

SHARING

• Fellow Rhode Islander, Jess Ann Kirby, raved about these crystal headbands on Instagram in December. While I never thought I could pull it off, it was a $16 gamble I was glad I made. Thanks Jess!
• Last week, I shared a Reel (I’m trying, folks!) of James on his new light pad. We managed to snag ours on Prime Day with a lightning deal, but as I’ve told folks over DM… I’d buy it at full price with how much we’re loving it and using it.
• Even if I look a little silly, I’m realllllllly excited to get my new Bala Bangles. When we lived in Providence and again during quarantine, I spent a lot more time walking. I’m hoping the extra resistance these beauties provide will be a fun change-up to my usual stroll.