breaking promises

really dumb ones. I should know and do better.

before we jump into today’s post, here’s what you might have missed on Hyphenated by Hitha:

• some rare positive news this week

• really good books

• a new home for the latest and (and in my opinion, greatest) posts published on Hyphenated by Hitha

• this month’s ‘take care of yourself’ plan

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I keep making these promises to myself, only to promptly break them:

• Stop taking the first flight/train out

• Only sit in the forward-facing seats on the train

• Stop mindlessly scrolling during stressful shows (and in general)

• Stop watching reality TV

• Limit my nights out to 1 a week

I broke all of these promises this week. And I have zero regrets.

I loved celebrating Lucky’s book launch, a hilarious & chaotic girls dinner (Pietro at Saperavi UWS, you’re a real one), and a day trip to DC to shoot That Desi Spark.

I’m really happy with how I showed up in all of my roles. Our team is moving full speed to hit some aggressive timelines, and I put the phone away during breakfasts and dinners to be fully present with the family.

I also woke up at 3 a.m. on Friday to get to DC by 9, scrolled through some truly absurd Reddits during the intense scenes of The Night Manager, and chose to watch the first episode of Members Only: Palm Beach. It was my last episode as well.

Those rear-facing seats on the Acela. Oof. I’ll never learn to check and change my seats, I fear.

Even though I chose chaos, it was an excellent week. The old me wants to double down on this feeling—say yes to multiple invitations, set unrealistically high goals for the week, and try to do the most.

I’m choosing differently, and planning a return to properly winter.

Our dinners are planned for the week (this week’s soup is Avgolemono soup). I dug up an unfinished needlepoint project to keep my hands busy while watching The Night Manager. I just started Dawn of the Firebird, and am slowly savoring it instead of rushing through.

Last week was a great one (on the personal front, but absolutely horrific on the state of things around the world). I want this week to be the same, but opposite in intensity.

How are you? How was your week?

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things I’m loving right now:

• Don’t sleep on QVC! I logged on to see if my favorite blouse was still available (it is!), and ended up restocking on my favorite Elemis products and Laura Geller foundation. They have some incredible deals right now—the Dyson Airwrap ($100 off!), one of my favorite eye creams and SPF day creams, and a combo fan/space heater.

• This is going to be next Saturday’s dinner.

• I finished two books—The Heir Apparent was outstanding (both the audiobook and physical), and I enjoyed We Who Will Die (more fantasy than romance, loved the Roman Empire-esque world that Stacia Clark created).

• I can’t wait for the day my family stops using me as their personal Siri.

• This setting spray lives up to its 16 hour wear promise. I barely had to touch up my makeup before filming on Friday, and it didn’t feel as drying as my usual one.

• Some of the best advice I’ve ever read.

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

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• tapping the 💬 and share your wintering plans.

• upgrading your subscription, if budget permits

Wishing you a wonderful week.

xo,
HPN