So many great sales going on at the moment. My best find so far was my favorite pair of running shoes, marked down, plus an extra 30% off automatically applied at checkout. If you have tiny feet like me, you are in luck, as they have a few left in a 5.5. I also found these shoes discounted (not quite as deeply) in more sizes here and here. I tried Hokas earlier this year but found them heavier/clunkier than the Nikes so went back to the ones I love most. If you are a serious/regular runner, I know you are supposed to go to a store to be properly fitted (a task I still have yet to undertake), but these Nikes just do it for me. They are so lightweight — I barely notice I’m wearing shoes when I have them on — but are more cushioned than other similar styles. Very excited to have found a fresh pair in basic black for under $90.
While on the fitness track, I also bought myself another Swiftly Tech top and one of these pima cotton singlets (only $19!), both marked down at Lululemon. These are great basics and I feel the pieces from this brand last an eternity. I would size up in these, as with nearly all of their clothes. I am regularly a size 0 in other brands but size up to a 2 or 4 at Lululemon. Life is too short for too-tight fitness clothes.
Two other fitness finds for a bargain: this Nike essential running windbreaker (extra 30% off in cart, meaning only $50), which is very tempting to me. I currently use and love my Marmot Precip (<<on sale in select colors here), which is a fantastic utility jacket whether hiking, exercising, traveling, etc — but I do think the back pocket on the Nike one would be helpful and I wonder if the Nike is a tiny bit more breathable? The Marmot has side vents you can open, which are handy, but it can get VERY sweaty in there. Last but not least, this longline sports bra from Spanx (40% off) turned my head. I really love the length of my Beyond Yoga ones and this one looks similarly appealing, and the color is cool, too.
Everlane has some great pieces marked down at the moment, too — $15 pocket tees (love these and own in multiple colors), my favorite transitional weather coat (they also have a cool variation with sherpa detailing on sale that would be so fun/splashy), teddy bomber in great colors, and a cozy “desk duster” (i.e., the kind of thing I leave hanging over the back of my chair at all times to throw on when cold).
Over at Nordstrom: these cashmere turtlenecks are 40% off and I love it in the black/white stripe (La Ligne vibes) and pastel pink.
Extra 30% off sale prices at Shopbop…tempted by this pastel confection ($139 with code — Easter dress?), NBs in great colorway for $41, statement scarf for well under $100.
These cord overalls at ON are $30, and these on-trend lug soles are discounted to $100 in a great matte gray color.
For children: Ugg bow boots for under $100 (in super limited sizes and colors), these popover dresses mini has been living in (extra 15% off appears when added to cart!), a classic, beautifully-made corduroy jumper at an H&M price, a perfect first-day-of-school dress if your little one is going into a twos program next fall (only avail in small sizes, and only $22), and unisex rollneck sweaters for only $25 (additional discount applied when added to cart).
Also for children, but in need of its own paragraph: extra 30% off sale prices and free sitewide shipping at TBBC. Some gems:
MY FAVORITE JAMMIES WHEN MICRO WAS BORN ARE SOMEHOW ON SALE!!! — PERFECT “COMING HOME” FOOTIE…AND I JUST BOUGHT MINI ONE OF THE LAST PAIRS OF THESE CLASSIC BOW JAMMIES FOR ONLY $22!!!!
P.P.P.S. My mom tucked these silk hair ties (also avail on Amazon Prime for next day delivery) into my stocking and…where have these been my whole life? I’m strangely obsessed with them. They are so much easier to tie on than standard elastics but don’t dent hair and still hold everything in place (unlike hair clips, which often let my hair out). I have been using them to tie my hair back while washing my face.
By: Jen Shoop
The other day, I came across this quote you’ve probably seen before:
“Pay attention to who you’re with when you feel your best.”
What I like about the quote is that it invites introspection about my interactions and dynamics with others, and it often unveils the unremarked grace and beauty of the people I love the most. For example, when I am with my sisters, I actually feel funny. I believe myself to be more of an earnest, wide-eyed, tender-hearted kind of person in my interactions with others, but when I am with my sisters, we laugh at ridiculous jokes in a reckless, delirious kind of way, and it feels delicious to be unguardedly silly. I love the way they make me feel — welcome, as if I can do no wrong, un-judged. It is a testament to their big hearts.
And then, of course, there’s Mr. Magpie. People often ask how we could possibly have built a business together — “we’d kill each other!” is the common retort from couples who discover this about us. But I am never more empowered or validated than when in his company. There is a great quote in the film “As Good As It Gets” — “You make me want to be a better man,” Jack Nicholson’s character tells Helen Hunt’s character. Mr. Magpie is that way: he gets the best out of me. He makes me feel like a better version of myself. And at the same time, he embraces the whole me, including the part of me he sent into embarrassing hysterics in the formal dining room at the Inn at Perry Cabin, and the part of me who cried at the Thanksgiving table, and the part of me who is a sore loser at Scrabble. He has seen it all — and a woman contains multitudes! — and he still makes me feel like a million bucks on a regular basis. Reflecting on this makes me realize what a forgiving and open-minded person he is, and reminds me of an element of his personality that I found appealing when we first met: he embraces the unique. Here is a guy who was in a marching band and played varsity baseball and can sail a boat (like, properly, by virtue of lessons and excursions – and it’s complicated!) and had a pet tarantula and studied electrical engineering (which I still know next to nothing about) and did not pledge a fraternity and had a fan club in high school and enjoyed illustration so much as a boy that he designed (and can still draw) a specific cartoonish character that was “his guy.” And he was excellent and self-assured in all of these pursuits. Here is a guy who lost his mind with admiration when he discovered that Lizzo is a professionally-trained flutist. Here is a guy who tells me: “Don’t hold her back!” when my daughter expresses interest in electric guitar and monster trucks and begs me to wear a Nirvana t-shirt and blast Black Sabbath on the way to school. In short, here is a guy who lets people be their whole selves and embraces the multitude within.
But what I don’t like about the quote is the unclear off-screen implication that if we don’t like how we feel around certain people, we can…? What? Cut them out? Avoid them? Change how we behave around them? Ask them to change? What is at the other end of that equation?
I ask this because, on the one hand, I applaud the mentality that I should surround myself with people that fill my cup. On the other hand, I feel that it is impractical and ungenerous for me to operate according to that exclusive principle. There are going to be relationships in life that are difficult, and that ruffle feathers, and that require exertion and reflection and sometimes outside help. And I must stay in these relationships for any number of reasons: work, family, geography (i.e., neighbors), school. Frankly, sometimes challenging relationships are self-edifying, or simply a reminder that I am needed.
So maybe the quote is best taken as a reminder to proactively carve out time with the people who make us feel whole, and to thank them for their embrace, than it is an auditing tool.
+Timeless unisex Ray Ban shades, 40% off. I love these on men — Mr. Magpie has a pair!
+Have you tried these power peels? They are SO good. I’ve been using them for years. For some reason they are currently marked down on Amazon. Start with the 10-pack and see what you think. I love using these just before getting ready for a night out — I get out of the shower, cleanse my face, and apply one of these and immediately feel like my skin is renewed. (If I have more time, I’ll do a mask instead.) In more recent years, I’ve tended to use these similar resurfacing pads instead, but I found using them even a few times a week was irritating my skin after awhile, and so I’ve laid off those and instead just use the M61 power peels now and then, when I need a boost.
+Love the dimensions of this affordable knit sweater, in the perfect mauvey pink!
+These look like a great way to up my bath routine.
+This fun blouse was just marked down, as was this Ulla. More fabulous tops here.
+Adorable scalloped stationery for all those Christmas thank you notes! More options for hcildren here, and options for you here.
+Guys. I thought I bought so much wrapping paper this year and was so on the ball and thankfully I spent a few nights wrapping well in advance of Christmas and discovered — no, in fact, I did not. I went to multiple Targets in search of extra and mine were totally sold out! Like, barren shelves! What on earth!? Going to see if there are any holiday gift wrap sales after Christmas and stock up for next year (will this chic set from Joy Creative be discounted, I wonder?!). In the meantime, I love this gingham gift wrap set to keep on hand! I’m determined to keep a well-stocked supply now that I have the space!
+More chic cold weather accessories here, and a rainbow of gorgeous puffers here.
+Finally, Bala weights are no longer back-ordered everywhere. You can order and have them arrive tomorrow! Perfect for a new year new fitness regimen.
+New workout gear always helps motivate me when getting started in a new fitness regimen. These are some of my favorite running tops — now available in some fun new stripes/colors.
+Hilarious that I wrote this post about how good it felt to clip back into my running routine because then an 18-day quarantine put the kibosh on that, and immediately after that, I opened my freezer and a hunk of frozen meat fell right on top of my foot, and I couldn’t put weight on it for three days straight. I guess the world does not want me to be running right now! Ha!
+This cashmere sweater for a little man is a splurge but so handsome!
+The most popular items I’ve featured on the blog this year.
By: Jen Shoop
*Image above via Leslee Mitchell. This post is being published a day later than usual in deference to Christmas!
My Latest Snag: Clothes for Mr. Magpie.
I can share this since Mr. Magpie will have opened his gifts by the time this post has gone live, but I surprised Mr. Magpie with a Christmas Eve outfit on the 24th: these velvet tartan trousers (!!!!) and a crisp new white dress shirt. He already owned a pair of velvet tuxedo slippers ideal for the occasion, but these are perfect (and less than half the price) if your man needs a slick pair for NYE. As I’m typing this, I’m regretting not buying him this velvet bow tie, too — and I know he’d love this skull and crossbones style. I also thought temporarily about buying him this velvet jacket. Such good-looking, classic pieces for men!
Also under the tree for him this year in the clothing category: an AMI Paris sweatshirt, a cashmere polo, suede drivers, and a blue crab belt buckle. I swear this man is part Texan because he loves a statement buckle. I’d also bought him this Kule rugby but gave it to him early! It’s boring, but I use the holidays as an excuse to refresh his wardrobe since he’s the type to absolutely wear his clothing into the ground and then look at me helplessly when he realizes he has nothing to wear.
You’re Soooo Popular: Shoes + Dresses.
The most popular items on le blog this week:
AN UNEXPECTED FEATHER TRIM DRESS — WOWZA, LOVE THIS!
I savored a series of golden “moments” this holiday season. The first was watching my young children sing “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” around the Advent wreath every night. I could weep at their tiny birdlike mouths singing this old, somber hymn — the same I sang every morning of Advent in the chilly, dim hallway of my parochial Catholic grade school. My son did not learn all the lyrics, but insisted on singing the final word in each phrase fortissimo, with emphasis. Instead of “O Come, O Come E-mma-a-a-nuel,” he would bop along and then shout “-WELLLLL” at the end, usually a half-beat late. Then he and his sister would bicker over who blew out which candle fastest, or first. There was something about those moments — huddled, singing, and hopeful around the wreath — that stirred in me a feeling of belonging during this omicron-dominant time of renewed isolation, as though something was right when everything has been feeling wrong. I was reminded that traditions, faith, family persist! And I am touched to have the opportunity to bring my own children into those folds. In short, I was warmed by something much more powerful than the candles in front of us.
Shopping Break.
+One last-minute entrant into the NYE outfit possibility list: this $50 sequin tee to pair with trousers or jeans.
+This cropped cableknit would be perfect with a high-waisted statement skirt for a dinner out, or these satin trousers, which are currently in my cart.
+These leather-like makeup bags remind me a lot of my ones from Cuyana and White Elephant, but cost $20.
+OMG THIS BAG. I need this for the summer. I would get it sans initials. This woven tote is also tres chic.
+A good suede slouchy boot to pair with dresses like this, this, and this.
+I have been living in a long black quilted, hooded coat Talbots sent me two seasons ago and I’m scared that it might give out. It’s just a perfect coat to throw on with anything, in any weather. It works in drizzly, chilly mornings; it is an appropriate length for both dresses and jeans (like, not hip-length — hits above/around knee); it has pockets big enough to hold a phone and toys. I’m so sad they’ve discontinued it. But I have to say this Barbour looks very similar and I think I’d get equal use out of it. Dog-earing for future.
+If you’re looking for a quilted coat that is more cropped — this Boden is SO good and on sale for 50% off.
+This Etsy shop makes the most outrageously chic playhouses for littles.
+Have not yet recovered from this jacket. It is SO chic.
+Well, this glitzed up sweatshirt situation is just delightful.
+Oso + Me has such sweet baby items — I just love this tattersall set.
+My friend Jessie had the cleverest idea — update your winter lace-ups (especially lug sole boots) with velvet laces!
+This topper is somehow both elegant and downtown cool.
+If I ever meet a staff member at Melissa & Doug, I will hug him/her for the many hours of peace their reusable puffy sticker books have afforded our family.
+Along those lines: children’s activities for car rides. (Also great for restaurants, visits with family, etc. I always try to keep something in my bag in case things go haywire.)
+I have this Horror Vacui skirt in a different pattern and it is a STUNNER.
+OMG – this SEA sweater is marked down like 60% off, and how fun is this fruit-print one, also on sale?
I’ve written about this song many times before (including in this post while living in Manhattan) because it is my all-time favorite carol as well as my children’s nightly lullaby:
O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie! Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by; yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light. The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
The imagery of dark streets illuminated, and years of dreamless sleep ended, are touchstones for me.
We are in so many ways living in a figurative Bethlehem right now: anticipating, straining for light, sustained by hope yet burdened by fear. I hope this Christmas you have a moment where you look around and see the light around and within!
Today, I’m only posting once and so I thought I’d make it an exclamation point kind of post: a roundup of some of my longtime, all-time favorite finds I’ve featured time and time again on le blog. Sort of a Magpie Ultimate Kit. I dreamt up this concept for a post after a Magpie reader approached me in a coffee shop last weekend (thank you again for saying hi!) and half my face was covered with a mask and I realized — she probably recognizes me by virtue of context clues. I was wearing this dress over a tissue turtleneck, Vibi Venezia flats, my pearl mask chain, and my signature OPI Big Apple Red polish. In other words, I was a walking cartoon of myself. Ha! (I also had my main accessory on my arm — Mr. Magpie — and he’s pretty distinctive, too.) Anyhow, today, I thought I’d distill years and years of posts to share some signature Magpie finds.
A VERSATILE SIDE TABLE FOR VIRTUALLY ANY BEDROOM OR LIVING SPACE
VITAMIN C IS THE SINGLE MOST POWERFUL INGREDIENT IN MY SKINCARE REGIMEN — I ATTRIBUTE MY SKIN’S BRIGHTNESS AND EVENNESS TO THIS INGREDIENT AND LOVE IT IN THIS BIOSSANCE OIL FORMULA (HAVE TRIED LIKE FIVE OTHER VIT C PRODUCTS — THIS IS MY FAVORITE)
I USE THESE TOWELS IN ALL OF OUR BATHROOMS AND IT HAS BECOME MY GO-TO HOUSEWARMING GIFT — CURRENTLY 25% OFF
THE KIND OF EARRINGS I WEAR ALL SUMMER LONG, WHETHER WITH A FLORAL DRESS (JUST ADDED THIS ONE — 60% OFF! — TO MY CART FOR NEXT SUMMER) OR JEANS AND A TEE
THIS FUNNY LOOKING MAKING BRUSH IS MY BEST FRIEND…USE IT EVERY SINGLE MORNING FOR FOUNDATION/TINTED MOISTURIZER, CONCEALER, AND BLUSH! CAN’T IMAGINE LIFE WITHOUT IT
NOT GOING TO LIE — I HAVE USED THIS HEAVY-DUTY CONCEALER DAILY FOR AS LONG AS I CAN REMEMBER NOW. I HAVE DARK CIRCLES AND IT’S THE ONLY THING THAT CANCELS IT OUT! YOU WILL RECEIVE THIS AND BE LIKE “OMG THIS IS STAGE PAINT” BUT BEAR WITH ME — USE THE ARTIS BRUSH TO BLEND INTO SKIN AND WATCH YOUR SLEEPLESS NIGHTS DISAPPEAR
TRUST ME, YOU DESERVE GOOD QUALITY FACIAL COTTON — A SMALL BUT NOTICEABLE IMPROVEMENT IN MY SKINCARE REGIMEN
And in this vein, too, sharing a handful of signature Magpie posts from years past that you may not have read if you’re a newer reader…
Mr. Magpie and I just upgraded from a queen to a king-sized bed. We had been hoping to focus our interior decorating budget on the common spaces on the main level of our home, but we desperately needed guest bedroom furniture for when his parents stay over to watch the children, when my out-of-town siblings visit, etc., and so we decided to move our bed (S&L’s Pondicherry style) upstairs and buy something new for ourselves. Mr. Magpie did an ungodly amount of much research into mattresses (I glanced over his shoulder and saw a spreadsheet with an elaborate scoring system) and ended up buying Saatva’s Zenhaven style based on various inputs, including the fact that I am a side-sleeper, he runs hot at night, and apparently these latex mattresses are incredible for tons of reasons. (If you are also in the market, two other brands he considered closely were Nectar and Asteria.)
Now I’m charged with the fun task of finding a fabulous bed and outfitting it in fabulous bedding! Originally, I had really wanted a canopy bed for our room but then realized that the placement of our ceiling fan might make that problematic, both for functional and aesthetic reasons. A few of my favorite canopy beds from my earlier research:
THIS FOUR POSTER — ALSO LOVE THEIR RAFFIA STYLE BUT WE ALREADY HAVE THIS DRESSER, AND IT WOULD HAVE LOOKED TOO MATCHY-MATCHY
THIS FRONTGATE — ALSO LIKE THIS ONE BUT ANTICIPATE MR. MAGPIE WOULD FIND IT TOO FEMININE
SOME OF THE OLY BEDS ARE GORGEOUS (THOUGH VERY EXPENSIVE) — LIKE THIS
I went back to the drawing board. I’ve always wanted to do an upholstered headboard in a designer fabric, though I’m a little scared — will I get bored of a print I’ve chosen? This is the beauty of a solid-colored or wood bed: you can change out the linens without a problem. I’m still doing some soul searching on this front but I do love the options at The Beautiful Bed Company (this, this, or this — thank you to Magpie reader and interior designer extraordinaire Whitney Campeau for pointing me in their direction!), Casita, and then this Bunny Williams one is gorgeous. I am drawn to the fabrics from Osborne + Little, like this botanical and this floral, but maybe something more geometric will be a bit more versatile and less likely to become boring? Like this or this from Kravet/Lee Jofa? We shall see. I’m feeling like I want to go bold with the headboard because the room is large and can stand up to something big, and I’d rather have a point of view in here! For context, we do have this bold blue rug in our room so I’m hoping to find something that plays nicely with that pattern.
For bedding, I will for sure be buying Boll + Branch basic sheeting and then would love to buy Matouk’s Mirasol duvet and decorative shams, maybe with a custom bolster either matching the fabric we choose to upholster the bed in or with our initials against a plain white fabric. However, if we end up doing a solid-colored upholstered bed, I do love some of Matouk’s patterned bedding, including this bold “Pomegranate” pattern in collaboration with Schumacher, or their gorgeous Charlotte print.
More fun bedroom/bedding finds in mainly blue and white below…
Oof. In the last few days, and especially yesterday, after I got real about how challenging this time has been with young children at home, I have heard from countless friends and Magpies who are entering into isolation or quarantine because of a positive COVID test or close contact exposure, and I have been sharing scattershot thoughts on things that helped me out during our 18-day quarantine, ten of which were spent isolated from my husband. Sharing some of these here in a more focused manner in case you’re in the same boat, and asking those of you who have been around the block to share additional insights in the comments! I know some of you are entering into a second or third quarantine, or solo-parenting, or parenting while recovering yourself, and it is a lot to handle.
Grace Is the Name of the Game.
First: give yourself a lot of grace. Repeat this word to yourself as often as you need it, sometimes in the dark cool of your pantry, with your eyes closed, while your children are screaming outside the door. This is a stressful and intense time. Patience is running thin, both in the immediate sense of the situation you’re in and in the more general sense that we are rounding the corner on a third year in the long shadow of COVID. You are tired on so many levels — but you are doing your best. You are doing great. We are all rooting for you!
When I say “give yourself grace,” here is what I mean on a functional level: tonight, once the children are tucked away and you can think clearly for a minute, reflect on any possible area of your life you can relax a bit. A helpful starting place for me: what moments were the most frustrating for you today? Was it meal times? Was it the long, unstructured stretch of time between afternoon nap and bedtime? Focus on what you can change or drop around those specific stressors. Maybe that means giving your children the same exact lunch for ten days in a row because a) you have everything on hand, b) it’s easy, and c) you know your children will eat it without complaint. So, OK! PB&Js for ten days straight. That’s just what it is. Maybe that means you bathe your children every three days instead of every night. Maybe that means you reallocate screen time so that it covers the majority of the time between nap and dinner. Etc. Focus on the pain points and find a bandaid that can help you through this stretch of time. For me, “giving myself grace” meant relinquishing my strong preference to complete tasks fully once begun. It was a mind frame shift that helped a lot.
A Loose Schedule Helps.
This is probably intuitive to most moms, but I found sticking to a loose schedule very helpful, not only in that my children knew what to expect, but in the sense that I found the day passed more quickly when I had little grooves to orient myself around. Our daily routine ran like this: breakfast, TV show while I’d clean up and get myself dressed/ready and set up for the day, get children dressed, 1-2 planned projects or activities (more on that below), “free play” (I hate that expression because my children never just miraculously dissipate into their own play when I want them to — I almost always need to prompt them, but will share ideas on that below), lunch, play outside for at least an hour, bath time, nap/screen time, another activity, “free play,” dinner, bed.
Having this pattern of to-dos helped me muscle through the long days — i.e., “if I make it to bath time, we’re just a hop skip and a jump away from a time to myself to write while they nap/watch iPad.” I imagined it sort of like rock climbing — I was hoisting myself up from groove to groove, and it was helpful to be able to see where those grooves lay.
Planned Activities.
I usually tried to think of 1-2 activities the night before. These not only occupied my children but afforded me the impression of order and diversified our mornings in particular. I shared a lengthy list of indoor activities for children here and sensory play ideas here, but the biggest hits during this most recent quarantine:
BAKING SODA + WHITE VINEGAR — I USUALLY GIVE THEM DROPPERS AND DYE THE VINEGAR DIFFERENT COLORS (PUTTING A LITTLE BIT IN EACH OF THE HOLES OF A MINI CUPCAKE TRAY) AND THEY GO WILD
SOAP FOAM PLAY — JUST ADD A LITTLE DISH SOAP TO WARM WATER AND BLEND WITH A FEW DROPS OF FOOD COLORING, THEN GIVE THEM A BUNCH OF BOWLS, SPOONS, LADLES, ETC…FOR SOME REASON THIS IS SO FUN TO MY CHILDREN!
SENSORY PLAY WITH TINY ANIMAL FIGURINES OR DINOSAURS — WE USED FAKE SNOW, DRIED BEANS, AND DYED RICE ON SEPARATE OCCASIONS DURING THIS QUARANTINE (ALL THE TOOLS WE USED IN THE PHOTO AT TOP OF THIS POST HERE)
BAKING PROJECTS OF ANY KIND — BUT THEY ESPECIALLY LOVED ROLLING OUT AND DECORATING SUGAR COOKIES (MY RECIPE HERE)
DECORATING BIG BOXES — YOU CAN MAKE THEM INTO PLANES, CARS, HOUSES, ETC
PULL OUT THE ENTIRE BOX OF CRAFT MATERIALS AND LET THEM MAKE WHATEVER THEY WANT — IF YOU’RE NOT STOCKED WITH SUPPLIES, THIS IS A GREAT (!) KIT TO BEGIN WITH AND WHAT I BOUGHT A YEAR AGO (TARGET ALSO HAS A SIMILAR ONE FOR LESS)
THIS IS NOT SO MUCH AN ACTIVITY, BUT BOTH MY CHILDREN ARE OBSESSED WITH MATCHBOX CARS AT THE MOMENT SO I’D TRY TO THINK OF NEW WAYS TO USE THEM…WE DID A “CAR WASH” (MIX A TINY BIT OF COCOA POWDER WITH WATER IN ONE BOWL — “MUD” — AND THEN LET THEM WASH THE CARS OFF IN A BOWL OF SUDSY WATER WITH A BRUSH), MADE ELABORATE ROADS USING MAGNATILES, EVEN TURNED JENGA BLOCKS INTO CAR GARAGES, ETC
THIS PLAY TAPE IS ALSO HELPFUL IF YOU HAVE CAR-OBSESSED LITTLES
PLAYING “MAD SCIENTIST” WITH THIS KIT — YOU CAN DO THIS WITH SOAP FOAM, IN THE BATHTUB, OR EVEN JUST WITH WATER DYED DIFFERENT COLORS…IF YOU’RE VERY ADVENTUROUS, YOU CAN HAVE A RANGE OF OTHER MATERIALS (VINEGARS, OILS, ETC)
OUTDOOR SCAVENGER HUNT — MY HUSBAND CREATED A REALLY CUTE CHRISTMAS-THEMED HUNT FOR A LONG WALK OUTSIDE…THINGS LIKE SANTA CLAUS, CHRISTMAS LIGHTS, ETC.
What I like about all of the activities above is that they’re open-ended. Sometimes you can prolong their engagement by introducing some new figurines halfway through, or adding a new color of soap foam ten minutes in, etc.
A few activities we purchased that were also helpful…
WATER DOODLE MAT — MY GIRLFRIEND SENT THIS TO US ON THE ADVICE OF ANOTHER MOM WHO’D JUST GOTTEN THROUGH QUARANTINE…IT WAS A BIG HIT AND I WAS SURPRISED AT HOW MUCH THE CHILDREN WANTED TO PLAY WITH THIS DAY AFTER DAY! BONUS: IT ONLY USES WATER SO MESS IS MINIMAL
MONDO LLAMA CRAFT KITS — WE DID SO MANY OF THESE, AND WERE GIFTED SEVERAL OF THESE FROM FRIENDS, TOO! THE KITS TEND TO USE STICKERS RATHER THAN GLUE WHICH IS FRANKLY A GODSEND
THESE PUFFY STICKERS — MY CHILDREN COULD PLAY WITH THESE FOR ETERNITIES
Two other activities I have lined up for a future: I bought these blank canvases for the children to paint. I feel like they’ll get such a kick out of a new medium (not just paper!) and then they can gift the canvas to someone — a neighbor, grandparent, our nanny, a teacher, etc. I also plan to roll this just-discovered activity out the next time I need it: give the children washable paint and let them “paint” their play dinosaurs. After, put everyone (including children and dinosaurs) into the bath to wash off. I borrowed this from The Busy Toddler (<<tons of other activities there)!
Long Baths.
Seriously, baths were a godsend for me. I’d let them hang out in there until they were shriveled and prune-y, and they loved it. Great way to kill thirty or forty minutes, and all you have to do is — in the words of The Busy Toddler blog — “sit-er-vise.” (I.e., you can just sit on the side of the bath and relax for a minute). I tried to make this time special by making them big, dramatic bubble baths using these amazing pods and letting them bring in basically whatever toys they wanted to. I’ve heard moms have had success throwing duplos in the tub (they float!), but my children hated this for some reason. They did like playing with their tiny animal figurines, Barbies, and these magnetic foam bath-friendly blocks one of my girlfriends sent me during quarantine. They also love (!!!) when I spray shaving cream all over the wall (you need the classic foam stuff, like Barbosol — not the gel we usually use) and they just draw/make a mess/etc. We have also done these colored foams before, which are also great, but frankly — you can get Barbosol for $2 and call it a day. I have this filed away in my surprise closet in case of emergency in the future, and there are even more fun bath toys here.
I gave my children a bath right after an hour of outdoor activity, before nap time. I figured they weren’t likely to get much dirtier later in the day, and it was nice to clean up after traipsing through leaves and dirt. I also personally find bath time really exhausting at the very end of the day. It’s one more thing to tackle, one more series of negotiations to launch into. So it was just simpler to give them a bath around 2 PM, then put my son down for a nap.
Car Rides Can Be an Activity.
I learned this a little late, but car rides can be an excellent way to kill some time, take in some new scenery, and keep your children separate from one another. You can wave at grandparents/family from afar, too. Right now is a convenient time for this “activity” because you can mask the excursion under the guise of “looking for cool Christmas decorations in our neighborhood!” Maybe there are neighborhoods in your area that go all out with lights and decor — a fun excuse for a longer drive. It always made me feel restored to just get out of dodge for a minute.
Advent Surprises.
We use an Advent calendar similar to this and tie a little surprise for the children onto each day. Our surprises are things like a pack of stickers or a piece of chocolate or a new Matchbox car or a mini puzzle. Never have I been more grateful for this practice than during quarantine! It was a great, exciting way to start the day and the children usually launched right into whatever the surprise for the day was, giving me time to make breakfast. We’re now nearing the end of Advent, but it occurred to me that you could do something similar for your quarantine. I think the visual would also be helpful to children who might be confused about the new routine and the length of quarantine. You could get a piece of cardboard and write the numbers in a row (i.e., 1-10 or 1-14, depending on how long you’re stuck inside) and then clip a little surprise on for each day of quarantine with a clothespin or even just tape a note under each day with instructions on where to find the surprise in the house. (I also did that — sometimes if the gift was larger, I’d tuck a scroll into the appointed slot for the day, and they’d have to follow a clue to find out where the surprise was hidden. Another way to kill time. Bonus with this method: you don’t have to have all the toys/surprises lined up on day 1. You can just write a note the night before.)
Seeding Play Time.
I’m going to be honest: my children are not great at playing on their own. I know there are antidotes to this and am working on it, but in the near-term, I did a couple of things to buy myself little pockets of time to make lunch, tidy the house, etc:
1 // I spent one morning organizing, re-grouping, and putting in bins or zippered pouches all the toys in the play room. I realized it was fun for them to see, for example, all of the play food together in one bin. This prompted them to set up a restaurant, an “indoor lemonade stand,” etc. Sometimes just seeing toy sets all together, presented in a tidy way, invites rediscovery.
2 // I occasionally have the foresight to put toys “away” in a closet to bring out in emergency situations. I was so happy I’d done this — I was able to bring down a couple of toy sets they’d not seen in awhile and they were thrilled. They especially loved this NYC set (which I’d had up in the closet for a few months) and Magnatiles, which they’ve always had access to, but for some reason found much more exciting when brought down to the family room versus kept in the play room.
3 // Related: move toys around! I simply dragged mini’s big Maileg house out into the middle of the playroom and organized all her little mice and accessories and she immediately wanted to play with them. Similarly, I shifted where various toys were kept in the play room and in their bedrooms and found them immediately re-engaged. I think there’s something appealing about finding a whole bucket of matchbox cars waiting for you in the middle of your room. You’re basically remarketing your children’s toys to them!
4 // When all else fails and I really needed a minute to finish a call with the doctor or a dinner or what have you, I kept an “in case of emergency” stash of surprises — mainly matchbox cars, sticker books, and little cheap grocery store type toys. The novelty effect can be helpful when in a pinch.
Arrange a Puzzle / Activity Swap with Friends.
One of the greatest boons during our time at home was having a neighbor who dropped off a big crate of puzzles, coloring books, sticker books, and random craft supplies for us to borrow. The children were ecstatic and could not have cared less that half the pages were colored in! It was so fun for them. I paid it forward just a week later by dropping off a bunch of our puzzles, activities, etc at another neighbor’s going through a similar situation.
My Mom’s Advice: Make Them Help.
My mom — true to her Montessori teacher training — suggested I engage the children in every household chore and activity I undertook. If I’m sweeping, they sweep. If I’m setting the table, they carry out forks and napkins. If I’m preparing dinner, they stir or at least stand on stools and help wherever possible. I was surprised at how well this worked — when I had the patience for it. I found I had to be in the right headspace for it, and that usually happened in the morning, so I usually engaged the children in this way during breakfast and lunch in particular. They loved helping me make pancakes, mini loved making her own sandwiches, and Hill enjoyed plucking each grape off the vine to put on his own plate. They also really (!) enjoy emptying the dishwasher (plastic items only), unloading groceries, and scooping out Tilly’s dog food. This is great advice not only for quarantine!
Treat Yourself.
As I mentioned here, I tried to lean into whatever felt good and rewarding at the end of these long days: a long soak in the tub, face masks, a marathon of chick flicks, a good bottle of champagne just because, Shake Shack on china, new pajamas or slippers, etc. It felt good to have something to look forward to at the end of a long day. And, frankly, you earned it!
If You Want to Support a Friend Parenting in Quarantine/Isolation.
If you have a loved one/friend/neighbor going through a quarantine or isolation period with small children, I found that the greatest gift and support was frequent check-ins. I leaned majorly into my close friends during this time. Knowing they were thinking of me and cheering me on made me feel less alone. We were also the grateful recipients of many meals and other deliveries that made life so, so much easier — we had friends/neighbors arrange dinner deliveries via UberEats/Doordash, drop off homemade lasagna, deliver groceries for easy-to-prepare-at-home meals (from Italian Store, if you’re local — you can also find stuff like this at Vace in NW DC/Bethesda). My parents-in-law brought by big deliveries of fresh fruit twice, which was such a tremendously helpful gift — my children are fruit flies and could eat fruit all day. There was something spiriting about having a fridge stocked with berries, grapes, clementines, apples, bananas, pineapple, melon! We also had friends drop off wine and Cocchi Americano (an Italian aperitif) — always welcome in these parts. Finally, small gifts/activities for the children (even, as mentioned above, lending puzzles!) was SO helpful. I would try to mete the gifts out over the course of the quarantine and save things for when I needed them. My mom sent a couple of boxes via Amazon with stickers and lacing activities, another friend sent the doodle mat, another sent Playmobil set and some little Christmas crafts, and yet another sent blocks! I felt so loved.
P.P.S. If you have a dinosaur-loving little: you are in luck.
P.P.P.S. My daughter has a forbearance that far outstrips my own. This post, and the generous, big-hearted, empathetic comments on it, make me cry on a regular basis.
By: Jen Shoop
We have less than 10 days until NYE but you can still order something fabulous to ring in the new year. My top rec for something reasonably priced that will make you feel like a million bucks: this strapless jumpsuit is $110 and beyond chic — pair with glitzy earrings and loose waves!
And if you’ll be at home, I would put on some fancy jammies/loungewear, like this black LeSet situation, feathers from Sleeper (look for less with this set or just the bottoms with these), my jeweled top and bottom set (on RIDIC SALE), or these pull-on pants and matching blazer. Finish with feathered mules and a statement headband like this or this.
Le NYE Boutique.
P.S. More fun finds along these lines here and here.
I always use the new year as a prompt to tackle small organizational projects. As an example, one of the rooms in our basement is currently a jungle of storage boxes/bins and miscellaneous rarely-used vases, decor, etc. I would like to buy some more of these to line all the walls of the room for proper storage! I’m imagining having one for holiday decor (each shelf for a different one? I already have them organized by holiday in Sterilite bins), one for all my gift wrap, one for miscellaneous vases/jars/etc. I also have a bunch of skincare products that I try to keep beneath the sink but tend to leave out on the counter and would like to corral them all onto one of these marble trays. Meanwhile, this three-tier storage caddy would be so helpful for so many areas…in an entryway, for the inevitable miscellany (keys, mail, receipts, etc), in a bathroom for products, or even in a kitchen for fruit!
Q: A dress for an April wedding. Shopping now for fall/winter jewel tones, not spring pastels.
A: I absolutely adore this Rebecca Taylor in the marigold — would work in chilly weather! The color feels very Jackie O. to me. J’adore j’adore. This stunning Ulla is in a similar color! This Damaris Bailey is having a major moment right now, and I love that it works in winter/cold weather but is still a floral. own this Rhode dress in a different pattern and it’s so joyful in this print! I think you can make it work for a chilly spring wedding. If you’re considering black, I think this under-$100 steal is majorly sexy. And then hot pink! Having such a moment, and this dress is just gorgeous.
Q: Cross body bag with a handle — classic, transitional. Considering Polene but unsure.
A: I wasn’t familiar with that brand but love it! Thank you for the introduction. I actually adore this style the most — I’ve never seen anything like it! Two others I love that could be worth your consideration: this Tory Burch and this Celine.
Q: Godparents for Christmas.
A: Ahhh! I’m a little late on this query! Je suis desolee. I shared some last-minute gift ideas here that might still arrive on time, and let me suggest this devotional wrapped up in a gorgeous white bow. (Assuming your godparents are practicing Christians!). I have found it very helpful in promoting daily — sometimes weekly — prayerfulness/mindfulness. If you’re not sure you want something as spiritual, two other things I bought for people…
A: So sweet! Question Everything has lovely smocked floral dresses, and Luli and Me is one of my personal favorites for special occasions — this pink or this petal-collared white would be darling. Major splurges, but Pepa & Co or Amaia are what the British royalty wear to these occasions!
Q: Dress/outfit for dinner at my in-laws country club. In Michigan, so need sleeves! Under $150.
A: I’d reach for a smocked dress like this or this layered over tights and suede tall boots like these. Sweet, on-trend, appropriate at the same time. Alternately, a sweater like this or this, again with suede boots. I feel like you don’t want to look to dolled up / like you’re trying too hard — just something casually chic you happened to throw on and look fabulous in. Haha 🙂
Q: Bracelet or necklace to give to my sister and SIL on my wedding day. Ideally under $200.
A: So sweet! Merci Maman and GLDN are two brands I’ve purchased multiple gifts from in the past, and they have beautiful customized pieces. I love this bracelet or this gold disc necklace customized with a nickname you have for your sister/SIL. Asha also has some pretty pieces, like this heart cuff or this enamel pendant, and Hart Hagerty lets you customized a bracelet or necklace with charms that fit their personalities/lifestyles. I own and adore this zodiac necklace from Lizzie Scheck — you can buy one for each with the appropriate sign.
Q: Winter pants for work — snappy casual.
A: Get thee to Veronica Beard! I love what she puts out in this category. I own this pair (look for less with these), and am lusting after these. And corduroy is majorly in! Check out these Max Maras and these Anthros for a trouser style, and these VBs (on sale!) for a cropped, fitted style I love. Spanx also has a series of “perfect pants” that people love — check out these. Depending on formality of office, I think you could dress these up with pointed toe flats and a fitted turtleneck sweater. I’ve also had a really good stretch of luck with Gap pants — they tend to fit just like they appear on the site for me — and these could be chic in the mauve color.
Q: Looking for a new bag big enough to fit laptop.
A: I like this new, unfussy bag from Cuyana — note the sizes, which accommodate different laptop sizes! — and this croc Clare Vivier. Sooo chic!
Q: Lightweight sweaters that I won’t be too upset if they get messed up, as I’m teaching PREK.
A: I would buy this mockneck in multiples while on sale for around $25. These are so chic, elegant, and yet inexpensive! I own this in pink and just purchased in navy. H&M and Target are also a treasure trove of on-trend, under-$30 steals:
Q: Party heels what won’t make me regret the decision to wear heels.
A: Haha! Does this exist?! I shared all my favorite party heels here, but maybe we should consider some flat/mules instead? These are beyond, and could totally work with a festive mini. Look for less with these or these! Also love these and these. I do think platforms are more comfortable in general because you get the height without as much pressure on the ball of your foot, and the heels are easier to balance on. These new LRs feel fresh!
Q: Do you have suggestions for hair perfume?
A: Diptyque can do no wrong — I love all of their rose scents! — and this is one of my all-time favorite scents, period. (I often buy the candle in this scent!)
*Image above via Kule featuring their modern tee chicly paired with a long-sleeved tee in the same print. Note that Maisonette has marked down a bunch of their Kule pieces, including this great winter basic.
A roundup of seriously fun statement finds for under $110 — most well under that pricepoint.
THIS POPULAR PHONE SLING WAS RESTOCKED — A PERFECT ACCESSORY FOR CARRYING JUST THE ESSENTIALS WHILE WALKING A DOG, AT PLAYGROUND OR DROP OFF, ETC
KULE RAINBOW STRIPE TEE — NOTE SELECT STRIPED LS TEES ARE ON SALE HERE!
BE A STREET STYLE STARET IN THESE ONITSUKA TIGER SNEAKS — LOVE THE COLORS
