a social week (and how I'm recharging)

just the hits #21

My heart continues to be with those in Los Angeles. I’ve set up a monthly recurring donation to NDLON to support immigrant day laborers as they rebuild their lives, in addition to supporting vetted GoFundMe campaigns and World Central Kitchen.

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It was a very fun week. And a very social week.

I loved celebrating Neha’s book launch over a gorgeous brunch at Maman, and again at her first big event at Barnes & Noble. I caught up with two of my school mom friends over tea and coffee cake one morning. My friend Susan hosted a beautiful dinner party on Thursday night, and I spent yesterday in Pennsylvania celebrating a friend’s baby shower.

I loved it all. And I would like to stay at home in full goblin mode, thank you very much.

The best way to recharge from a busy week is simple - do less. Here’s how I’m actually doing it:

• I’m spreading out my meal prep over today and tomorrow in an effort to ease up the weeknight frenzy with the kids, and cooking exclusively from the 15 & 30 minute sections from

  Caroline Chambers
  ’ brilliant cookbook.

• I’m not “shoulding” all over myself. When I plan a hibernation week, my brain fixates on the crafts I could do, shows to start watching, or the book series I’ve been meaning to pick up. Onyx Storm aside, I’m not engaging in any new things.

• I’m using the good things this week - wearing my pretty lounge sets, sipping tea from a proper cup and saucer, burning the good candles, and setting the table with proper linens and our ‘special occasion’ dishes.

After my hibernation week, I’ll be back on the social bandwagon (and I hope you’ll join me at one of these events!)

• January 29th - in conversation with Keren Eldad, author of Gilded (6-8 pm, Veronica Beard Soho Store)

  • email events@kereneldad.com to RSVP

• January 30th - in conversation with Neha Ruch, author of The Power Pause (6-8 pm, MM.LaFleur Upper West Side Store)

  • register here (all attendees will receive a copy of Neha’s book)

You can catch up on the latest posts here:

the plan - january 2025

Octavia Butler's prescience, ocean reefs, and the women defending Ukraine

lessons from jet lag

If budget permits, I would be so appreciative if you upgrade your subscription. You’ll receive the full edition of #5SmartReads (my weekly news series) and access to our accountability group for the plan. You can get 50% off the annual subscription (just $30/year) through the end of January.

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The Power Pause

by

Neha Ruch

For too long, moms have been divided into two camps and pitted against each other. The truth is many of us also exist in the gray area in between - downshifting our careers to working flexibly or pausing entirely, or re-entering the workforce part or full-time. The Power Pause breaks the binary mindset and offers new narratives and a full on playbook on retaining your ambition through a pause or downshift, with dignity and confidence.

This isn't just a book for moms or stay at home parents - it's a playbook for the modern family. I could not be prouder of Neha and this milestone in the movement she’s built with Mother/Untitled.

You can find my recent reads here, and this month’s reads here.

9 Piece Metal Hair Tie Set ($12)

As a “hair always up” kind of girl, I’m frequently on the hunt for accessories that zhush up my French twist or low bun.

Julia @smarterinasec

shared a different set of metal hair ties on her Instagram, and it got me down a rabbit hole to find these - some gold, some silver, all perfect.

Find this month’s Amazon favorites here.

How these suburban moms in Ukraine manage grief by training to down Russian drones (NPR)

“The women call themselves the "Combat Witches of Bucha." The name comes from a badge one of the women have depicting a witch with weapons, though the women say the name isn't important. Their mission is. They are part of a female air defense unit training to shoot down drones in the suburbs of Kyiv. They live in those suburbs, where occupying Russian troops killed, tortured and raped residents early in the 2022 invasion.”

Many of these women have lost their husbands, brothers, and friends. Before the war, they worked as teachers and veterinarians and public service workers.

Now, they’re soldiers who defend their families, the city of Kyiv, and their country. And I’m equally in awe of them and furious that this is their reality.

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• Some winter skincare saviors - this deeply hydrating serum, a cream toner, this magical night cream, and this mask (I use it 3 times a week).

• The latest James Webb Space Telescope images are stunning. They also feel like a for hope - you may not be able to see it, but it doesn’t mean it’s not there.

• This little bag got a ton of compliments when I wore it this week (Chanel 22 vibes at a much better price point).

• What we’ve had playing in our home: jazz in the morning, Odesza to focus, Vitamin String Quartet in the evenings, and Heidi Montag the rest of the time.

• Speaking of Heidi and Spencer Pratt, I’m here for their comeback.

• If you want a little treat, might I recommend the sweetest sticky note set?

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If you enjoyed this weekend’s letter, please consider:

• tapping the ❤️ icon below.

• tap the 💬 and share how you recover from social hangovers.

• upgrading your subscription, if budget permits.

As always, take exquisite care of yourself this week.

xo,
HPN