just the hits #5
Continuing my goal of completion > consumption, this is what I completed this week:
the book that’s lingered on my TBR (The Art of Power - an excellent read)
a needlepoint project, and hoping to finish this one by the end of the month.
doing an overdue wardrobe edit (these bags are a lifesaver for recycling clothes and accessories)
The boys are back in school, and all of us are happier to be back in our normal schedule. I feel settled into my ideal work/family rhythm - something I don’t take for granted after a turbulent summer. Most of my week was grounded at home, but I made it out to two wonderful events - an evening centered on abortion advocacy, and afternoon tea with Fiona Davis (one of my favorite authors, and her forthcoming book is my favorite one to date).
My hope is for today to go the way last Sunday did, and that tonight’s pasta is just as good.
The news (the shooting in Georgia, the killing of hostages and peace activists) left my heart heavy and my mood enraged. Hug your loved ones, check your voter registration status, make your voting plan, and take action (talking to a loved one about voting, calling your representatives to express your support for the common sense gun safety legislation, volunteering for a campaign).
And please log off when the world feels too heavy. It’s what I did this week, and will do this weekend.
Mistress of Rome & Daughters of Rome
by Kate Quinn
Before a trip, I love to dive into a book (or series) set in my destination (if it matches with the itinerary a bit, even better). The last time I was in Rome, I was 21 years old and studying Roman history (spanning from the ancient republic all the way to the Holy Roman Empire). Kate Quinn wrote the series I was craving, and I flew through the first two books. This series is historical fiction at its best, and I personally think it’s better than The Alice Network.
You can find my 2024 reads here, and my September reads here.
5 Cup Food Processor ($60)
Our mini food processor finally bit the bullet after 13 years, and this has been the perfect replacement. This 5 cup chamber is the perfect size for my usual cooking - not too big, not too small, and not too many attachments (just a whisk accessory).
Find all my Amazon favorites here.
What are extracurricular activities for?
published in Vox
“What have we done?”
I asked myself this question repeatedly this week, every time I reviewed our family calendar or logged in to add another kid’s activity.
Sports. Coding. Theater. Bala Vihar (my overdue effort to teach the kids about our culture and religion). Managing their schedule and the budget is on par with managing my company, and I had a moment of “is it all worth it?” This article had me looking at our full schedule with greater clarity and affirming that they are the right experiences for our kids and our family, and that we’ll always re-evaluate and adjust every quarter
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 (fall style favorites)
this denim dress is perfect in all the ways - the cut, weight of the denim, the specific wash of blue. I’m wearing it with ballet flats right now, and will pair it with boots and tights once the weather cools.
this shirtdress + this sweater (on sale, and HITHA50 gets you $50 off)
velvet Mary Janes when it’s not raining, black leather sneakers when it is
the best jeans ever (at the lowest price I’ve found)
swap your t-shirt for a knit polo for a more polished (and warmer) look
Making
lots of donations and recycling worn clothes/shoes/accessories. The aforementioned Trashie bags have been a lifesaver.
I’ve been doing a daily clean out session (as small as a drawer, as big as the kids’ dressers) this month - I love notching this little win, and to slowly chip away at all the clutter.
Answering
the moving bags we used for our summer move (and back)
the serum, moisturizer, and night cream I just restocked for my mom and myself. I apply the serum and moisturizer (and sunscreen) first thing in the morning, and reapply the moisturizer over a more active serum after my shower. I lock in my actives and eye cream with the night cream every evening.
my slippers (which I also bought for my parents, because they’re that good)
the powder (and brush) I apply over my sunscreen - it gives me a bit more coverage and has me looking glowy instead of sweaty
These are my most popular recommendations.
Reading
Bad Witches by H. B. Akumiah
Empress of the Seven Hills by Kate Quinn
The Perfectionist’s Guide to Letting Go by Katherine Morgan Schafler
Trying
to stop scrolling first thing in the morning. I’ve been enabling the Forest timer right after I turn off my alarm to lock myself out of most of my apps (only Peloton, MWH, Notes, and Spotify are allowed to be opened during an active session).
If you enjoyed this weekend’s letter, please consider:
tapping the ❤️ icon below
tapping the 💬 and share what you want to complete (and what you want to treat yourself to)
upgrading your subscription, if budget permits
Wishing you a wonderful Sunday.
xo,
HPN