In no particular order, here are some of the things that I use every day that bring me joy.
Rifle Paper Co stitched notebook, pocket notebook, and insulated mug: these are my morning heroes. I do my morning journaling in the soft journal (1 page of manifestations, 1 page of whatever comes to mind) and plan my day in the pocket notebook. My husband makes me coffee before his workout in this insulated mug, keeping it the perfect temperature when I’m ready for it.
Kindle Colorsoft: every day starts and ends with reading on my Kindle. I got the Colorsoft when it launched because I’m an aggressive annotator and love having different highlight color options on my Kindle (and not just the Kindle app on my phone). My previous Kindle (a Paperwhite) lasted me 5 years, and is now in my father’s hands as he reads the latest John Grisham and Dan Brown novels.
Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30: this is one of the most beautifully formulated moisturizers I’ve used. It absorbs easily, provides the perfect amount of hydration with the cooler, drier weather, and contains enough SPF to see me through school drop-off (though I do try to remember to apply extra sunscreen when it’s sunny). I love it so much that I bought the travel size to see me through my upcoming work trips.
Latuza pajamas: these are the only pajamas I own and wear every single night (the only exception is this set from Pact). They’re cooling and super soft, which is what every perimenopausal woman needs.
Belts: I saw a Reel that breaks down Lily van der Woodson’s style and how she’s almost always wearing a belt, and I immediately purchased these sets. They’ve been a lifesaver for the pants that are slightly loose on me, and helped cover my button fly pins for the pants that are a little tight. Most of all, they add a bit of polish to any outfit (even my Sunday uniform of a sports tee and jeans).
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds: a woman had to tap me on the shoulder to ask where these headphones were from. They have incredible sound quality, are more comfortable than any in-ear bud, and the battery life is fantastic. I like that you can hear what’s happening around you (it’s a Goldilocks amount, just right to feel safe and aware while blocking out the noise you need). If you need a pair for remote meetings in noisy environments, these aren’t the ones (as I learned the hard way on Monday, when I was running a team meeting while my kids were screaming at home).
What are the little things you use every day that bring you joy?
Catch up on the latest:
things i’m loving right now
- New books to add to your TBR (request them from the library, or buy them through my Bookshop.org links): Toxic Grit by , Having People Over by Chelsea Fagan, and Uncompete by .- I’m honored to be joining Ruchika and some other incredible authors (like , , , ) on a virtual panel next Tuesday. Sign up here.
- I’m hosting a read-along/book club for Toxic Grit, and Amanda may be joining us for part of it! If you’d like to join, please fill out this form. 
 
- summed up my many thoughts about Diwali season with more nuance and eloquence than I could have.
- Other daily things that almost made the cut: Pixi brightening eye patches (I try to apply them right after waking up), my Rothy’s clogs (they’re my school drop-off shoes), and this shower spray (originally a gift from , now a recurring purchase).
- .
- A few things on my fall style wish list: this barn jacket, a stylish Henley, these brown sneakers, and knit boots. 
- I feel every word of ’s piece on perfectionism.
- I have a redeye → straight into a meeting situation next week. These mini toothbrushes, disposable washcloths, and shower sheets are my lifesavers for trips like these. 
If you enjoyed this weekend’s letter, please consider:
- tapping the ❤️ icon below 
- tapping the 💬 and share your own check-in. I’d love to read how you’re doing. 
- upgrading your subscription, if budget permits 
Wishing you a wonderful Sunday.
xo,
HPN






Just started Toxic Grit!
That shower spray is the BEST! The ultimate relaxation salve 🥹