This email is about how a cat cost me $265

Offline Recess is a newsletter that invites you to pause from digital distractions and rediscover the joy of finding inspiration on your own terms, away from the algorithm.

A quick summary: It’s Sunday and today we’re exploring:

• Why we should stop judging each other over what we spend our money on and instead get curious

• Three things that I love that cost way less than $265

• Why Parker Posey has always been it

I did not have anyone edit this so if you see a typo, be relieved that I’m a human and not a robot.

Intersections

things that are connecting during my recess

The other day I registered (aka purchased) a few fonts for my business. Three weights (you know, like, regular, light, bold, etc) cost close to $450. That may surprise some of you, others may nod with understanding. It was a typeface that I’d had my eye on for a while. Similarly to how people window shop for clothing, furniture, electronics, I do the same with typefaces. 

Days later, I accidentally put my AirPods through the wash. I am usually very careful with things like that but I had a friendly cat rub all up on me outside while I was trying to workout in my home garage gym. He was adorable (and later reunited with his human) but I’m allergic so I threw my workout clothes quickly into the wash once I got inside and…ruined them. 

The next day, I bought a new pair — costing less than those three fonts. I didn’t feel as much joy from this purchase but I do value the tech.  

Some may not understand the value of either. I don’t get a lot of meaning or excitement out of the car that I drive. I am fairly content with my paid off 2014 Subaru. I don’t think about it. But I know this isn’t the case for other people.

It’s easy to scoff and puff your chest up a little bit when you feel frugal or a disconnect with someone else’s purchasing decisions. But how much more fun would it be if we just asked each other questions about what the other person valued? Wouldn’t you love to hear me monologue about why I love the typeface so much? I’d love to know why you love your car so much! I mean, I’m someone who doesn’t even have a backup camera. 

Let’s open up our worlds a little bit this week — let a little out, let a little in.

Little treats

things I love…without any affiliate links or algo influence

If you’re looking to spend a little bit of your hard earned money, here are three things that came into my possession this week (2/3 are re-purchases):

• Under $10: My favorite tank tops are $7.50. I have them in almost every color from multiple years and they hold up!

• Under $50: I was gifted this bar of soap. I don’t like scented things but I love peppermint and I love this. I don’t even want to use it! It makes my home smell like the best, most perfect amount of peppermint and it’s still sitting in the box.

• Under $100: I slather this facial moisturizer on day and night. It’s $78 and unscented. I love it.

Keep in mind that you may not like any of those things that I linked. But I bet they all have a great return policy.

Advice for this week

a quote that stuck with me

I read an interview with Parker Posey (someone I’ve been a fan of since the 90s) and she was described as someone who is able “to see the miraculous in the common.” I love that.

P.S. You’ve enjoyed this newsletter over the years, you can help contribute to the cost of publishing. I don’t have any intention of putting up a paywall but you can Venmo me @alliepal or send a tip via Paypal (this account is under my maiden name Jocson because Paypal makes it nearly impossible to change your name). Thank you to all who tip me!