just the hits #2
A quick request - the paperback of We’re Speaking: The Life Lessons of Kamala Harris is now available. If you want to support my work + learn more about Vice President Harris, please consider requesting the book from your local library or purchasing a copy, if budget permits. I’d love to get to 100 reviews on Amazon by the end of the month.
You can learn more about the book in my interview with
and my thoughts on Kamala’s evolving style in this interview with , and enter to win a copy from Elizabeth or Emily.Thank you for welcoming me into your inbox and for supporting my work.
Nothing about this week was particularly special. That’s what made it so special.
There were meetings and time at my desk, answering emails and working on key projects. There were walks on the trail behind our home. There were Wegmans runs for the essentials and their chocolate chip cookies, which no one can resist. There were movie marathons when the rain was coming down, and scooter rides when the sun was out. There was brief moments of quiet when the kids were making these blast-from-the-past crafts.
I tend to take these weeks for granted, especially when I’m going through it with my mental health. But it was one of my favorite weeks this season, and I want to bring this energy for the rest of the month.
This weekend series will always be free for all subscribers. If you’d like to support my work or are interested in reading more of my personal essays, please consider upgrading your subscription! I’m offering a 30 day free trial so you can try before you subscribe - you can check out the latest below.
When Women Were Dragons
by Kelly Barnhill
This book is bizarrely brilliant. This speculative novel details a 1950s America where women, frustrated by bad husbands and forced into the home or working undignified jobs, spontaneously evolve into dragons and literally fly away. If your interests include trad wife discourse and House of the Dragon, you really need this book. If you like aggressively feminist, weird but wonderful books, you really need this book. Those who really, really need this book will likely never pick it up, but you certainly should.
You can find my 2024 reads here, and my July reads here.
Goldilocks Claw Clips ($14)
I find that most claw clips are either pretty or can secure my hair properly - never both. These are as beautiful as they are strong and secure, and that’s the standard I now hold for anything in my life.
Find all my Amazon favorites here.
Article
Habit streaks are simultaneously motivating and anxiety inducing for me. I’m still working on finding a healthy commitment to the habits I need to maintain to stay well, without feeling like a failure when I see that streak broken and the tracker set to zero.
’s smart essay puts it far better than I possibly could, and I’m sending her a virtual hug as she enters her break (mine was the best thing I did for myself).I share smart & fun reads, cheap (and useful thrills), and outfits on Instagram, and random musings on Threads. If that’s your thing, please hang out with me over there!
Sharing
the most heartwarming roundup of Tim Walz memes/posts.
I stocked up on my favorite facial sunscreen (and body, too) and purchased my dad this scalp oil during Dermstore’s Anniversary sale (use code CHEERS for up to 25% off). I’ve linked all my favorites here.
if your screenshots album is out of control, this tip will change your life (h/t
.there apparently is a price for happiness - just $27 (and Love Island USA)
my friend Payal’s cover of Rapture (the Spotify radio playlist from this song is 🔥).
a delicious Indian corn salad (be sure to preorder Nisha’s cookbook!)
Making
dinner from our farmer’s market haul last weekend (the Wrightstown Farmers Market is my new happy place)
Answering
everything I use for my skin daily (and my detailed routine)
I’ve been sleeping so much better (verified by my Oura sleep scores) since we got this air purifier.
mosquito repelling bracelets and stickers that actually work
if it weren’t for these trackers, I’d never remember to take my medication.
These are my most popular recommendations.
Reading
Break The Fall by Jennifer Iacopelli - if you’re having Olympics withdrawals, this is the book for you.
The Art of Power by Nancy Pelosi (one of my all-time heroes)
Trying
to savor being in a better headspace
I’ll see you in a week. And if you’re a paid subscriber, I’ll see you in a few days.
xo,
Hitha
Love and admire your writing always, Hitha!