This email is about my spending habits

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:

• Getting out of my spending routines

• Stuff I’m reading and watching and listening to and discovering

• My current color muse

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

I’ve been traveling! And traveling always shakes up my routines (duh). The routine that got the most jostled over the past two weeks was my tendency to order things online. I always joke that travel doesn’t cost me that much money because the week leading up to a trip, I stop buying things out of fear they’ll get delivered while I’m gone. Which makes it sound like my weekly online spending equals the cost of a full trip, flight and all. That’s not true. But I still think it.

Since COVID, I’ve defaulted to buying almost everything online. I’ve cut way back on Amazon, but I still get my groceries delivered and buy most of my clothes from my laptop. This way of living can be a bit anti-social. I am already a homebody. The last five years have been some of the most formative, isolating years. I can tell I’m shifting into a new way of thinking and living. And being out of my usual spending flow was actually good for me. Here’s what I noticed:

When I travel, I don’t miss my stuff. At home, it all felt necessary at some point. But out of the house? Not really. I missed my oversized sweatshirts and the sentimental things I’ve kept since Desh died. That’s about it.

Packing for a mild climate with limited space helped me see my style with fresh eyes. Most days I had a small bag of things to change into depending on what the day held. Sometimes it was a beach day. Sometimes it was five miles of walking. Sometimes it was dinner with a client. One day contained all of those activities. Growing up, every 90s magazine had “day to night” outfit advice. I think I’ve landed on my own version. Sometimes one outfit doesn’t do the job. So bring three. I also got very good at changing in the car.

Shopping in person is actually awesome (when I’m shopping where I want to shop). Drop me off at a random mall and I probably won’t find much. But when I prioritize places I love, it’s a totally different experience. I used this trip to grow my vintage tee collection — something I’m very proud of. It had been years since I shopped in person, and I was so happy to walk away with pieces I loved based on the fabric, fit, color, or even the tag. I also got to try on a zip hoodie I’d been getting ads for. I love the fit and the weight. Worth it.

I like spending money on food and drink experiences. They’re communal. They’re delicious. They bring me joy. I had the most amazing tea and coffee drinks at Necessity Coffee and Endorffeine.

Over the past few weeks, I never once missed the convenience of delivery. It made me think a lot about why I lean on it. To save time? So I can work more? Because I’m too tired to do anything else? Probably yes to all of those. I “save time” by ordering, so I can work more, which leaves me too tired to do the other things. The cycle continues. 

What I’m realizing is that spending money in a way that aligns with my values is the best way to spend my time. Work still gets done. I’m still tired but because I’m out in the world getting what I need, not just asking it to show up at my door.

Offline Things

stuff I’ve been up to and discovering when I’m not on my phone

• I loved this interview with Cole Escola. They are one of my favorite performers and creative minds of this era! I really enjoyed hearing them talk about putting pen to paper when it came to writing Oh Mary! Cole says, “I didn’t want it to get on paper and for it to disappoint me. Disappoint me — not just the audience. Which I think a lot of writers can relate to. There are certain ideas that are just like, ‘I don’t want to plant the seed because what if it’s an ugly flower.’”

• I’m watching The Gilded Age season 1. I am not typically into period pieces like that but I love the cast and am enjoying it! There’s a scene in the first episode where someone is talking about “old money” dating back to the 1600s and I thought a lot about what it can feel like in New York (or anywhere) knowing that that old money is still there. 

• Excited to see Say She She in concert this summer. 

• I use this White Noise app (I play Brown Noise as it is the best) when I’m traveling and it’s hilarious that it shows you stats. I’ve played Brown Noise for a total of 82 days. 

• I drove past this McDonald’s last week and thought, “Is that the oldest McDonald’s?” and it is!

Offline Inspo

something that caught my eye

My current color muse! Photos/screenshots from my phone.

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!