just the hits #9

choosing full over easy

I told myself I was going to take it easier this week. I planned what I would cook, what I’d watch, and that I’d be putting the kids to bed most nights.

I did do all of those things - and I also was running around the city and doing all the things as well.

I did take it easier. Next time, I’m taking it easy.

I have no regrets. There were friend dates (strolling Central Park, or with oysters and Prosecco) and a date afternoon (to see the brilliant Kate Mulgrew in The Beacon). There was celebrating the launch of Kilte’s newest collaboration with Daphne Oz over a beautiful breakfast. And there were more books read, more dance parties, and more snuggles every evening.

Easy may have to wait until the end of the year, but I’m soaking in the beautiful fullness of my life right now.

A few housekeeping items:

I’m bringing back my Webby-honored #5SmartReads series back, exclusively for paid subscribers. Every Tuesday morning, you’ll receive a digest of 5 important stories centered on underreported news and underrepresented perspectives. More about that decision below, along with the most incredible testimonial from Upasna Gautam (chair of the News Product Alliance and a technical leader at CNN):

On #5SmartReads

I’ll be back in PA again next weekend to canvass with Indian American Impact. If you want to help get the vote out and make some new friends, please join us! There are also many other ways to get involved with this election (and to practice citizenship in general).

how to practice citizenship

Finally, my favorite Diwali event is nearly here - Diwali on the Hudson, which supports the incredible work of the Desai Foundation. Tickets are nearly sold out, so please buy yours if you want to have an incredible night and support this amazing organization.

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Fang Fiction

by

Kate Stayman-London

Every time I read Kate’s writing, I’m equally captivated by her phenomenal storytelling and deeply envious of her writing. There are plenty of books about vampires and witches, and plenty on fandoms and unpacking why we love the things we love. To blend these both so perfectly, with humor and heart and sensitivity…god damn it, Kate. You’re brilliant, and this book was such a fun, fantastical ride.

You can find my 2024 reads here, and last month’s reads here.

Laundry Bag for Shoes ($37)

If dirty sneakers are your biggest ick (and throwing them into a washing machine is a bigger ick), then you absolutely need these genius bags. My white Atoms are SPARKLING after tossing them in these bags and into the wash, and the included shoe trees help them keep their shape.

Find all my Amazon favorites here.

More Black and Latina women are leading unions - and transforming how they work

published in the Associated Press

We have unions to thank for some of the norms we take for granted in work (5 day work week, overtime pay, benefits). And with Black and Latina women taking the helm of more unions, I can’t wait to see how the new rules they fight for help transform how we work - for the better.

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!

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Sharing

• my favorite review of We’re Speaking - ever.

• some beauty empties I promptly restocked: Motif’s serum (perfect for sensitive skin), Rare Beauty’s 4-in-1 mist, and my favorite body butter.

• the way I immediately pre-ordered Luvvie Ajayi Jones’ new children’s book!

• bookmark this soothing video and watch it when things feel out of control. I’ve also been playing ambiance videos when I’m working from the couch, and this one is just perfect.

These are my most popular recommendations.

Making

I’ve been on a cooking and cleaning-out-the-fridge/freezer/pantry spree. Here’s what I made and loved this week:

• This red curry dumpling soup has been added to our dinner rotation. It’s SO good, and so easy to make.

• This week’s Anyday meals - egg roll in a bowl with rice, zuppa toscana, and veggie and paneer biryani (I thawed frozen peas, carrots, and broccoli florets and marinated them with the paneer for most of the day, and added 2 tablespoons of Indian chili powder).

Answering

• How do you get your kids to eat more protein?
  I have a few hacks/snacks that my kids love (or don’t notice):

  • I blend cottage cheese and add it in everything I can - pasta and pizza sauces, mac & cheese, enchiladas, even saag. Once it’s blended, it just adds a creaminess to virtually everything.

  • These pretzels and crispy edamame are AMAZING - delicious, and high in protein and fiber. We pack them in their snacks bag every day.

  • I bring these bars for the kids when I pick them up from school - easy to eat while walking, and helps minimize the post-school restraint collapse.

• How do you get back on track when you’re feeling uninspired at work?
  I try to face those uninspired feelings with a journaling session - am I tired and need to prioritize rest a bit more, or am I feeling detached from the work itself?
  If I’m tired, I downshift my external obligations and hunker down at home for a stretch. I delegate as much as I can, and keep my to-do lists limited to the tasks that are urgent, important, and what only I can do. I also block off rest time in my calendar, meal plan from the “easy and fast” meals list, revisit my favorite Peloton workouts, and generally keep my phone away from me as much as I possibly can.
  If I’m no longer feeling aligned to the work, it means I need to re-evaluate if it’s still the right role and what my options are. I went through this with #5SmartReads this year, and taking a pause was the best thing for me (though I recognize it’s not possible in many circumstances). A journaling prompt that helps me when I’m feeling this way is “what does my ideal day look like?” and trying to connect the fantasy to what I could be doing differently in my reality.

• How to stay connected with your kids when you’re traveling?
  This is a riff of Jeanelle Teves’ advice, but ask your kid if one of their small stuffies can join you on your trip, and take pictures of that lovey throughout your trip (on the airplane, in the hotel, looking out the window of a cab, etc) and send them back while you’re away. You’ll have a bit of home with you, and your kid feels connected to your trip.

Catch up on last month’s questions and answers.

Reading

• The Teller of Small Fortunes by Julie Leong (out November 5)

• Foreign Agents: How American Lobbyists and Lawmakers Threaten Democracy Around the World by Casey Michel

Trying

to learn the opening sequence dance from The Perfect Couple (which I finally finished this week)

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

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Wishing you a wonderful Sunday.

xo,
HPN