content(ed): week two

This week’s edition of content(ed) is a few days late, but for good reason: I have been making moves with our basement renovation. The plumbers wrapped up their work today (WIN!). I am hoping the electrician and HVAC will be underway shortly. I also did some fun adulting (read: doctor’s appointments and blood work) to get the year started on a healthy foot.

Beyond those thrilling events, James had a run-in with a metal picnic table at school — and the table won. Thankfully, he’s on the mend and just looks like a hockey player after a tough game. We’re so grateful for his quick-acting teachers, amazing school nurses, and the urgent care staff for getting him back in action.

Many thanks to all of you who reached out to say hello again — it feels good to know a few people are still listening to this rusty ol’ blogger. I’ll be back again next week with more! xo Alison

READING

• I finished Educated last week and I understand the buzz. This was admittedly the first book I’d finished in longer than I’d like to admit. I had to break the ice — and I’m glad it was with this book. Westover opened my eyes to a world about which I knew very little.
• I’m nearly finished with I Came As A Shadow, an autobiography of John Thompson, the infamous Georgetown coach. As a Hoya and lifelong basketball fan, this was a must-read for me. Thompson paved the way for so many Black athletes. I’ve loved learning about how he came to be the empowered man he was, along with reading anecdotes about Georgetown.
• At the suggestion of my dear friend Ashley, I joined Goodreads. I like the accountability and the search functionality. I can’t wait to discover more!

WATCHING

• I’ll be honest: this week, I watched more news than I probably should have. I just couldn’t look away from the events in Washington. After living in DC for six years and interning on the Hill, I never envisioned the insurrection on January 6th, 2021. It was an attack on our democracy, brought on by someone we shouldn’t even call a leader. It will forever be a dark day in this country’s history.
• We did finish up A Teacher (an FX show now on Hulu) before the news broke on Wednesday. It was equal parts disturbing and fascinating to watch.

LISTENING

• In light of last week’s siege in DC, I found this Life Kit episode on what to say to kids when the news is scary particularly enlightening. They released it back in March of 2020, but the content still rings true.
• I’m aching for a parenting podcast of older kids. I’ve moved beyond the newborn and toddler phase and am squarely in the early elementary years. If you have any suggestions, please please share them in the comments section.

SHARING

• Let’s face it: 9 times out of 10, you will find me wearing athleisure. While I love my lululemon, I love finding new brands. I discovered Alo Yoga on my last trip before COVID. I went to their Brooklyn showroom in early February 2020 and left impressed with their quality and fabrics. I’ve since ordered a few things and they’re consistently great. One new favorite is the It Girl Long Sleeve. In a world of crop tops, this long-bodied tee is refreshing for my mom body (that doesn’t do the crop trend). I am right on their XS/S line, but I grabbed an XS in this. With fab bum coverage and overall softness, I am tempted to get another colorway.
• Rosie loves these updated LEGO Dots Bracelets. Previous versions offered two rows to hold LEGOs, but this new style makes them friendlier for smaller wrists. (It feels less like a cuff and more of a bracelet!) These make great add-ons to birthday gifts. She has her sights set on this secret box, but we’re working through our Christmas LEGO sets first. She’s not the only LEGO fan in this house: it’s embarrassing how much I want this LEGO bouquet.