a good week
just the hits #32
This week was a full one - and an especially social one.
It was my husband’s birthday on Monday, and we celebrated by seeing Zarna Garg and having one of the best dinners at Bungalow.
I filled my cup with a lot of friend time (walks, rooftop hangs, coffee dates, a dinner at Leonatta for the launch of Localoka tequila). I spent Gentle Wednesday at the Frick Collection (my first visit, definitely not my last).
The kids had their spring arts festival at school on Friday, and we celebrated Rhaki’s birthday with his friends on Saturday.
Today, I’m doing a whole lot of nothing.
My heart is full, but my social battery is drained. I’m a social introvert - I come off as an extrovert, but I need just as much (or more) time to recharge after being out and about.
The plan for this week - ease into a new strength stack for the month, watch the first season of Étoile, try to get in a walk every day, and finally put away all our winter coats and organize all the shoes in our entryway.
How was your week? How are you taking care of yourself next week?
Catch up on the latest posts:
On Instagram, I shared my best marriage advice, lessons I learned from Zarna Garg, my butterfly effect moment, and how to stay informed without losing your mind. On TDS this week, I interviewed Priyanka Gujaroo (who founded my favorite beauty brand, Kulfi).
I have some personal essays I’ll be publishing here in the coming weeks - my GLP-1 experience, sandwich caregiving, the no-man’s-land of middle childhood, and more. As these essays are much more personal, they will be behind the paywall (as well the majority of #5SmartReads’ weekly posts, where I'll be tackling more complicated topics). I’ve lowered my subscriptions fees as much as Substack will allow me, and would be thrilled if you upgraded your subscription (this link has a special discount for a limited time).
I’m loving my current Armoire rentals - the dress I wore twice this week, this cropped jacket, the skirt that’s giving Atonement vibes, white pants (tis the season), and this vest-as-top. If you’d like to try Armoire, use code hithapalepu for 50% off your first order + two bonus items.
A very fun, very random read (and a timely one, with the start of baseball season).
I am officially reading-glasses-years old. I borrowed these from Laura Brounstein over lunch one day, and immediately bought my own (I got them with 1.0x magnification)
The replies to this thread brought me so much joy. While it’s not the right time for us to get a dog, I plan on taking up my friends’ offers to be a more present dog aunt. Also, these two facts blew my mind.
I just finished my fifth journal and my first pocket notebook (as my day planner), and I don’t have the words for how satisfying it is. My code HITHA20 gets you 20% off through May 17, if you’d like to experience their magic for yourself.
I’ve been feeling a lot of anticipatory grief lately, and Leslie Stephens’ essay made me feel less alone in these feelings.
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Please take a break - or several.
xo,
HPN
I love Zarna. She cracks me up!
Feeling the same way! My entire week was packed with social events and too much wine! My best friend was in town and it was so amazing to spend time with her, but my battery is on empty! This week I’m relaxing, detoxing and going on more walks. Also, I’m starting the week with some volunteer work.