Between Us, vol 1.

What you loved most this week, where we're heading for my 40th, how I feel about this milestone, the best screen-free travel toys for kids, and more!

Hi friends!

Welcome to the new weekly newsletter that has been lovingly re-named and re-scheduled for Saturdays, instead of Sundays.

For a while now, I’ve felt like the name of the weekly newsletter wasn’t quite hitting the mark and I didn’t love that it went live on Sundays for various reasons. The weekly newsletter has always felt like the most unfiltered, personal version of me. It’s less polished, more real, and often the most fun to write. It’s the place where I exhale a little. That’s the heart behind the new name, Between Us. It’s where I’ll [continue to] share the things that don’t always make it to Instagram: what I’m loving, what I’m learning, what I’m buying, what I’m questioning, and the small in-between moments that shape it all.

It’s meant to feel open, conversational, and collaborative. I really want this to be a place where we can share honestly, trade ideas, swap recommendations, and talk through the things shaping our lives and, maybe you share what you want me to dive deeper into in the posts that are shared throughout the week. It should feel like the kind of space that feels warm, thoughtful, and intentionally … ours.

With Tuesday being the Chinese Lunar New Year and, thus, the start of the Year of the Fire Horse, I felt like this was the perfect week to launch. Cheers to new beginnings and all of the momentum that it will bring to all of our lives in the weeks and months to come 🥂 As always, thank you so much for being here.

Before we dive into today’s newsletter …

… a bit of housekeeping: Things have been a bit quieter than usual around here, and I’m so grateful for your patience and for sticking with me. As a thank you, I’m placing a four-week pause on all paid subscriptions. During this time, every post will be open to all subscribers. After March 17th, paid content will resume and you’ll have the option to upgrade at that point if you’d like. New paid subscriptions will remain paused for now, and I’ll be sure to let you know when they reopen.

Ladies, it feels so good to be back in your inbox. The past few weeks have been busy in the best way … full of a whole lot of life [more to come on that!] and plenty of behind-the-scenes planning.

I’ve been quietly collecting things to share with you and now that we’re inching closer to spring, it feels like the perfect time to share it all with you. There’s something about this season that always makes me want to refresh. Closets, routines, travel plans and I have so much to catch you up on.

Okay, here’s what I have for you guys in today’s newsletter:

+ Top Sellers of the Week
+ My 40th: Where We’re Celebrating + How I’m Feeling
+ The Best In-Flight Entertainment Toys for the Boys
+ What I’m Packing For Our Trip
+ Five Recent Purchases and My Initial Review

Here’s what I have planned to share this week across my platforms:

+ Substack: 30 Things I Learned in my 30’s

+ Instagram: Cold-weather outfit inspiration to carry us into Spring, a new-to-the-US brand I shopped at for Louie all the time in the UK, a beautiful luxury hotel we’re staying at on our trip and, of course, sharing what I get up to for my birthday with the fam!

Top Sellers of the Week

the sandals and necklace are reviewed below in the ‘new arrivals review’ section :)

Consider this your crowd-sourced shopping list and I must say, you ladies have incredible taste! These were the most loved picks from our community this week.

1. ReFresh Eye Brightener: Coffee for your under-eyes and I reach for this on a daily basis.

2. Cloud Fleece Sweatshirt: I love that this caught your eye, the only place I’ve linked this so far is HERE.

3. Baublebar Necklace: This is such a nice updated silhouette of a style I know we all wore back in 2013, iykyk. I also love that the color feels transitional.

4. J.Crew Pinstripe Dress: Perfect for wherever you find yourself sipping an Aperol Spritz this spring and I will never not love a piece with smocked detailing.

5. Vivrelle: So excited to see quite a few sign-ups to the Vivrelle monthly membership from you all! I have my eye on this beauty at the moment. Remember, the first month free with code ALYSONHALEY [you save $139 and get to try out a luxury bag essentially for free for 30 days].

My 40th: Where We’re Celebrating + How I’m Feeling

Where We’re Celebrating

With this being my 40th birthday, and since John knows that I always prefer a trip to any sort of gift, he asked where I wanted to go versus what I wanted. At first, somewhere tropical came to mind. Turks & Caicos is really high on my list. I’ve been itching to get back to Mexico, whether it’s to explore certain luxury properties I’d love to scout for future clients or because it’s been a long-standing aspiration to explore like San Miguel. I also thought a weekend escape to Palm Beach could be nice and fun for the boys [and myself].

But … I ended up landing somewhere quite different than all of those places.

And it was all based on a musical experience I’d like to enjoy.

So, I have loved musicals since I was little. There is something that stirs in my soul and makes me so emotional when I get to watch a musical performance on Broadway or in the West End. Last year, I saw that Jonathan Groff was going to be playing the lead in a bio-musical about Bobby Darin’s life and career and, while I actually don’t know much about him at all, I absolutely love Jonathan Groff and what he brings to characters. He will be moving on from the role next month so, I thought maybe NYC could be a good option, especially with the little ones.

I always want to make travel a big part of the boys’ lives. I want them to see the world as their oyster rather than something to fear. I want them to see traveling as something they’re wildly capable of and as a gateway to satiating their curiosities and expanding their ideas of what’s possible. And, while NYC is no foreign land, it certainly is a small but meaningful step toward raising boys who feel at home anywhere.

And, I obviously won’t be taking the boys to the show with me but, I thought what a cool place to expose them to, especially Louie being almost 5. Ha, when we told him we were going to New York for my birthday, he said he can’t wait to see the “big bridge and the lady with the ice cream in her hand” hahah so, I think we made a good choice!

If you have anything we must do while we’re there with kiddies, please leave a comment below!

How I’m Feeling

I approached my 30’s with a lot of excitement and anticipation but my 40’s is a little bit different and it’s taken me by surprise considering how I’ve always viewed birthdays.

In 2013, I lost my Mom unexpectedly. It was heartbreaking for obvious reasons but, also because she was only 57. I feel like she was robbed of chapters I knew she couldn’t wait to experience, like being a grandmother. I feel like she was also ‘coming into her own’, in a way. She was an amazing stay-at-home mom but, when she became a teacher, you could tell it really lit her up. When she passed, I hadn’t ever experienced something that underlined just how finite life is and you don’t get to choose when your time is up. As cliche as it sounds, each day, and each year, is truly a gift and I have really sat in that feeling of gratitude each year since then.

So, it’s come as a bit of a surprise that quite a few new feelings have started emerging … over this past year specifically. It feels weird to say this so, I hope I’m not alone in feeling like this but, the concept of death has felt scarier and almost like it keeps popping up around me. I am likely just noticing it more due to approaching this milestone but, I notice Louie asks me about it a lot. And, I also feel like people I know or that I am aware of that are in and around my age have passed away recently. James van der Beek being the most recent example. And, even Eric Dane, who just died on Thursday.

There’s something about their deaths that translate to a feeling of ‘it could happen to you’. It feels more real now … the reality that ‘you’re not exempt’ … ‘you’re never going to escape it’.

These conversations with Louie and these happenings to people very close in age to me have made me more aware of my own mortality and how quickly, and unexpectedly, it could come. And that’s terrifying.

We all know we’re going to die one day but, up until now, it’s seemed so far away … even though you always know it could happen at any time, at any age. As I approach 40, it feels more real and almost … close … even though I know it’s very possible that I have so much more life left to live.

Honestly, I think being a Mom has a lot to do with it. Because of them, there’s such a strong desire to be around as long as possible but I’m being reminded that, while we all want that … life doesn’t actually work that way. We all have our time and I guess thinking about that reality, even though, as far as I know, I’m perfectly healthy … aside from terrible vision and a really sore right knee that might need looking into ... has been something that’s been hard to wrap my mind around.

There’s so much I have left on my list that I’d love to do, achieve, see and experience in this life and I’d be devastated if it was in some way cut short — again, despite knowing what a gift any amount of time is.

I’m sorry if this feels really heavy but, I always share transparently in the hope that I can make anyone who might be feeling the same feel less alone.

Leave a comment below if you’ve ever felt the same or have any other insight into turning 40, I’d love for you to add to the conversation:

Despite these new feelings that 40 is bringing me, I can’t deny that I still have so much gratitude for each and every year that I make it to. Since college, I have always and believed that the best [of life] is yet to come. I know there is so much to look forward to. I came into this year with this renewed energy and I feel so pumped and excited to see what’s ahead for me and my family.

You gotta love those situations that are ‘both / and’, where you’re holding two distinct dualities at once. But, hey … that’s life.

The Best In-Flight Entertainment Toys for the Boys

After multiple long-haul international flights, and traveling to six countries with Louie, we have a good handle on what will keep him occupied long before he asks for his tablet. We do allow screen-time on the plane but, we exhaust all screen-free options first. Here are some of our favorites —

Toddler Busy Board

These are great and can be used for years starting from 9 months and beyond. We will be using this mostly for Lawson during our short flight to NYC.

Suction Spinners

Louie has kind of grown out of finding these entertaining but we will definitely be packing these suction spinners for Lawson. They are endlessly entertaining for the little little ones. Stick them on the window and they will have the best time.

Travel Size Magnatiles

Magnatiles are Louie’s absolute favorite whether we’re traveling by plane, train or car & also loves playing with these at restaurants.

Magnetic 3D Puzzle Cube

This is another one that keeps Louie entertained for awhile. I keep the pieces in these clear pouches.

Sensory Activity Board

A good one for kids 3+ as it’s fun for them and also helps move their fine motor skills forward.

Sketch Pads

Louie isn’t wildly into coloring or drawing but I do keep a pouch with retractable markers in his backpack for traveling & then I stick it in my tote when we’re in our destination that way there’s always something for him to do when we are at a restaurant.

What I’m Packing For Our Trip

Mango Wool Coat // SPANX Zip-Up // SPANX Wide Leg Pant // Ended up Buying These to Pair With the SPANX Zip-Up // Satin Skirt // AYR Jeans//Baublebar Necklace // Patchwork Dress // My Most Worn Sweater This Year // YSL Canvas Bag first month free with my code ALYSONHALEY // Suede Boots // Cosmetics Case // Silk Scarf // SEZANE Cardigan // Wool Skirt // Wool Sweater

For New York, I focused on pieces that feel polished but practical because chasing two little ones around the city requires a little strategy. I’m aiming for a blend of comfort and class. Every piece in this suitcase layers well, works hard, and makes me feel like myself which feels fitting for a birthday weekend in New York City.

» I’m packing my tried-and-true camel wrap coat [mine is from 3 years ago but the one I linked looks identical to it]. I love that it instantly makes everything underneath look intentional.

» A great matching set is always a travel non-negotiable for me, and this SPANX one is comfortable yet elevated, perfect for travel days and easy to mix and match.

» My AYR jeans are coming because you can’t beat a flattering high waist and a timeless wash. I’m also bringing a feminine Aritzia skirt that feels dressed up without trying too hard.

» Short-heel booties are essential for long days on our feet, but these are still polished enough for dinner. I’ll layer with the classic Sézane Betty cardigan and add a silk scarf as my subtle nod to incorporating a bit more color this year.

What am I missing?

Five Recent Purchases + My Initial Review

I ordered a few new pieces recently, some very practical and some that I know I’ll always reach for. My aim is to always be transparent and intentional about how I share products with you, so here’s what came in, what surprised me and what I already know will be staples.

1. AYR The Legend Jeans: These are going with me to NYC and I love the classic wash and structure.

2. Buckle Tote: Sadly smells like the plastic wrap it came in but it does have a really nice structure to it; I’m on the fence because I do already have one that is a little bigger but also a little flimsier. I think, with little ones, it’d be helpful to have one that is more sturdy; will report back! Currently 20% off with code GR7V.

3. Sam Edelman Sandal: Aiming to move away from traditional flip flops & am slowly curating an elevated sandal collection. I feel like I always strike out with sandals like this because I have a narrow foot, but these actually fit really nicely and am going to keep them. They’re true to size, come in quite a few colors.

4. Family Passport Holder: I actually got this over the holiday period but never shared more about it with you. I’m always pleased with the quality of Leatherology products, love that this will provide me with peace of mind while traveling.

5. OSEA Lip Mask: Can’t overstate how much I love this...I’ve been trying quite a few new lip balms lately and this is the one that has stood out the most. Not thick or sticky, very soothing, made of clean, natural ingredients. Enjoy 10% off with code ALYSONHALEY10.

In case you missed it …

Here are a few recent posts that went up this week!

The 25 Products I Used The Most in 2025

A [Long] Link List To Love On Valentine's Day

Big things are coming, and I’m so glad you’re here for it ✨

What are you most excited for as we step into this next season? Comment below and share with me.

Have a great weekend, ladies! x.