By: Jen Shoop

I have not been sleeping well the last week, since we started quarantining. I miss sleeping alongside Mr. Magpie. We’ve spent only two nights apart in well over two years (maybe longer?) and his absence leaves the room drafty and misshapen, imbalanced. We have long phone calls from a floor apart, and sometimes we leave FaceTime on ” “taxi-style,” as we put it, in the sense that we just leave it running for an hour or two and sometimes the children and I are in-frame, and sometimes we aren’t. (Have you also born witness to this phenomenon in a taxi? Where the drivers seem always on-the-line but not necessarily talking?) Anyhow, “this too shall pass” and a string of “well, at leasts…” come right on the heels of my hand-wringing, but I do miss my better half and find myself sharply aware of the litany of gratitudes I owe him for handling so much around the house in normal times.

One boon born of sleeplessness? Let these late-night shopping diaries be a record of the many good buys I’ve stumbled across in the wee small hours.

+J. Crew is offering an extra 60% off sale items with code FESTIVE, which means this lovely silk-blend mockneck is only $24 (?!). I bought it in the hot pink but it was neck-and-neck with the beautiful dark navy color. My quarantine wardrobe has been these jeans (size down), a fitted turtleneck or crewneck cashmere sweater, and Vibi Venezias, and the mockneck would be a much-appreciated addition to the lineup of fitted sweaters (I like the silhouette of the jeans paired with a more fitted top). The outfit is comfortable, practical, and easily layers beneath a coat when we go outside for our daily constitutional. I’ve had many surprise visitors drop by to leave unexpected treats on our doorstep and when I wave at them from the window, I always feel kind of cute and put-together despite the circumstances.

+I also bought a bunch of little gifts from J. Crew’s sale section for some of the wonderful people who make my life easier — I always give a bonus to caregiver/housekeeper/etc (last year, doorpeople in our apartment, too!), but I like to also give something tangible. It’s fun to open something special you might not buy yourself! I am buying our nanny a few things but I supplemented with this scarf and hat set and bought four pairs of these pretty white glittens (around $10/pair with code) to give to our cleaning lady (in addition to bonus), my manicurist, the crossing guard who helps me make a turn to get into school every day that I mentioned here, and a spare for someone else I’ve not yet remembered! This blanket and this 100% cashmere classic camel scarf end up being around $35 with code and would also make fantastic gifts.

+I also picked up these cute masks for micro ($5 for 3 with code FESTIVE), who will now need to wear them daily when he starts school in January.

+Sephora is offering a surprise 20% off all orders through December 12th with code GIFTEASY. I’ve never seen them do this after their tiered promotion in late fall! It’s steeper than the 15% off code I usually get as a VIB. A shared all my top picks here during their previous promotion, but wanted to add that you can get the apple cider vinegar rinse everyone is raving about (I ordered during the Black Friday frenzy) using the code at a discount! (I also ordered their leave-in therapy. I’m so excited for this – I have been feeling like my hair is blah. Supposed to be fantastic for hair! Westman Atelier’s mini stick trio would be another great use — I bought this as a gift but would also be lovely if you want to test a few of the products before investing in full-sized ones.

+The 3-in-1 sports set we are giving micro for Christmas is on sale for $60. This is the exact style we got him, though there are variations in other colors. We thought it was slightly less babyish than some of the other cute ones (like this and this) and therefore might have more longevity.

+I mentioned this yesterday, but this $11 inspired-by-Jennifer-Behr headband was ordered on the spot. Have never seen my fingers move faster. Ha! I think it will be a fun accent with any outfit in my closet during the holiday season — instant festive sparkle!

+We have been so loved by friends and family who have dropped by with boxes and bags of activities for the children, and have lots already at home besides, but a few activities that have been big exclamation points this week…

THIS TREE / FIGURINE SET (SUPPLEMENTED WITH THESE PENGUINS) FOR SENSORY PLAY WITH ARTIFICIAL SNOW…A MESS BUT WORTH IT! I ALWAYS PUT A BIG MAT DOWN FOR SENSORY PLAY AND THEN DEMARCATE THEIR PLAY AREAS ON TRAYS (YOU CAN ALSO USE COOKIE SHEETS)…BUT THE SNOW STILL ENDED UP ALL OVER! FORTUNATELY, EASY TO VACUUM

MY CHILDREN ARE ENORMOUS FANS OF TOY STORY — WE HAVE MOST OF THE TOYS BUT ADDED REX AND SLINK TO THE MIX AND OMG…RARELY HAVE TOYS OFFERED SO MANY HOURS OF SUSTAINED PLAY

BUBBLE PODZ — MADE BATH TIME SO MUCH MORE FUN…SUCH A SMALL THING BUT IT’S NICE TO HAVE CHILDREN BE ABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN SMALL WAYS, I.E., LURE THEM TO BATH BY ENTRUSTING THEM WITH THE TASK OF SELECTING A POD AND DROPPING IT IN

RELATED: THESE WON’T ARRIVE FOR LIKE TWO MONTHS BUT ARE GOING TO BLOW MY CHILDREN’S MINDS

MONDO LLAMA WREATH ORNAMENT KIT — MY GIRLFRIEND DROPPED THIS OFF AND IT WAS SO FUN (ALSO, GOD BLESS THE ABSENCE OF GLUE…YOU JUST USE STICKERS TO MAKE THEM)! WE DID A FEW OTHER MONDO LLAMA CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES THIS WEEK AND THEY ARE SUCH GREAT, CHEAP SEASONAL THRILLS

FLOOR PUZZLES HAVE BEEN VERY HELPFUL, TOO

FOR OUTDOORS, MINI HAS FINALLY (!!!) BEEN RIDING HER BIKE THIS WEEK!!! WE ALSO HAVE BEEN HAVING A LOT OF FUN WITH THESE INEXPENSIVE RAINBOW JUMPROPES (THEY AREN’T COORDINATED ENOUGH TO ACTUALLY JUMP THE ROPE BUT WE DO ALL KINDS OF THINGS WITH THEM…JUMP OVER THE SNAKE DELIGHTS THEM) AND OF COURSE SIDEWALK CHALK!

ALSO, GOD BLESS THE STOMP ROCKET…HAS BEEN A SHOCKING SLOW BURN BUY! WAS SURE MY CHILDREN WOULD USE FOR A MINUTE AND MOVE ON BUT THEY LOVE THESE THINGS

+My girlfriend bought this Vampire’s Wife dress after we’d texted about it a few weeeks ago and sent me a pic of herself trying it on this week. It is SO CUTE ON. 30% off!

+I have a skirt from Horror Vacui in this exact, archived Liberty London floral, and it is one of my most treasured possessions. I love the print. I wore this skirt to a baby shower in NYC and one of my girlfriends almost bought it off of me because she adores this specific Liberty print (she owns a pair of pajamas in the print!) and it is difficult to find anymore!

+I spotted Megan Stokes in this camel coat on Instagram and immediately assumed it was a high-end designer (maybe Max Mara?) so was SHOCKED to discover it’s from Mango and reasonably priced!

+I found our exact car seat stocked in three colors — strangely, this can be a hard carseat to track down from time to time. I bought one for mini and then we had to wait until we could find it in black again for micro. The key selling point? The cover can be removed and machine-washed. Crucial for any parent to a child prone to carsickness. I also think it’s pretty slick and low-profile. Bonus: if you are a Bloomingdale’s Loyalist, you earn power points on this carseat, meaning you will get a gift card for $100 after you buy it. I don’t think I’ve ever seen the Rava on sale so this is a pretty good snag. I bought mine from Bloomie’s for this season, too, and then went back and bought my son two Lacoste polos and felt like they were “free.” However, if I had that credit now, I’d put it towards this dress I can’t stop thinking about, which is already 25% off ATM and would be $100 less with the credit, making it under $200, or maybe the Sleeper pajamas I still desperately want (the gray are already on sale, plus 25% off, and then if you apply the $100 credit, they’d be under $100!)

+Despite buying a ton of gift wrap and bags and the like two weeks ago, I somehow never settled on a gift tag until late one night this past week. I bought these — love the colors and shadow lettering, and thankfully should arrive by mid-December. This particular Etsy vendor ships much more quickly than others. (I also love and have repeat-ordered her stationery, especially her notepads, her scalloped cards, and her shadow text cards!)

+Typing that out led me to place a second order from her: these notepads for a few friends.

+If your children love Brio, Mr. Magpie found this pack of 50 pieces (!) of track for $70. A crazy good deal because most of the “track” boxes I’ve seen are like $35 for 16 pieces. Bought for micro’s Christmas pile. Not the most exciting to open but will yield hours and hours of fun play to have so much track on hand! I also bought him this super cool suspension bridge!

+Being at home, inside, for this long — well, let’s just say, Godspeed and good luck to all miscellaneous toys, scraps of paper, artwork, broken items, laying around. I have been on a purging binge. It is a wonder how you accrue all these bits and bobs that just take up so much space? Like, little toys and paper crowns and boxes for things and tiny packets of crayons with half broken? Anyway, along similar lines, bought a fresh pack of these zipper-top bags (on sale for $10) to corral a couple of puzzles and toy sets that are currently at constant risk of being scattered across multiple toy bins and in anticipation of Christmas. A Magpie initially turned me onto these bags as a way to save space in Manhattan (i.e., decant all puzzles / toy sets from bulky boxes into these and you can fit a lot more into small spaces) but now I’m a total convert, even with tons of space. First, I like that they are semi-clear so you can see what’s inside and/or use the colored zipper for quick reference when trying to find something. Second, they are much more reliable when it comes to keeping small parts and puzzle pieces from going astray! Third, it’s now “my system” and…completion desire compels me to want all the sets in these bags now! I also bought these surprisingly inexpensive but cute woven bins ($20 for four, and they’re not tiny) for a few of the toy sets my children like to have out a lot, like matchbox cars and Barbies.

P.S. More slow-burn toys for children, and ideas on nursery/toy organization.

P.P.S. The best storage baskets organized by size.

P.P.P.S. This time of isolation from Mr. Magpie reminded me of this post: “…These wafer-thin observations are the delicate webwork of ten years of marriage, of knowing you so well that when I am apart from you for even ten minutes grabbing coffee, at least half of that time, I am collecting the bric a brac of our eternal conversation, knowing what will interest and anger and sadden and delight you.

Put differently: I am only half living when we are apart. The other half is suspended in anticipatory conversation, waiting for the moment when I can fill you in.”

By: Jen Shoop

Far and away, my most-asked questions in emails, comments, and DMS — “What special occasion dress to wear to…!!!” (Winter wedding! NYE! Christmas Eve! Office cocktail party! Dinner party!) Sharing a roundup of my favorite current-season dresses in one place here. And I’m going to call it: salmon and marigold are going to be my new obsessions this upcoming season.

holiday 2021 special occasion dresses

VAMPIRE’S WIFE // CHARLOTTE OLYMPIA HEELS // ELIZABETH COLE EARRINGS // HVN // NICOLA BATHIE EARRINGS // $35 EMBELLISHED SLIP // HEADBAND // SALONI JUMPSUIT // HEADBAND // REBECCA TAYLOR // SERGIO ROSSI MULES // GOLD PLATFORMS // SKIRT // JENNIFER BEHR EARRINGS // HUNTER BELL // JENNIFER BEHR EARRINGS // GLITTER PLATFORMS

Even more thoughts and options below…

UNEXPECTED COCKTAIL PARTY SMASH: THIS IN THE MARIGOLD (!!) OR STRIKING BLACK…J’ADORE J’ADORE, THIS IN FOREST GREEN WITH THESE EARRINGS, OR THIS ULLA J IN SALMON OR MARIGOLD

BLACK TIE: THIS NAVY CLASSIC, THIS JOHANNA ORTIZ, OR THIS BLACK STATEMENT (LOVE THE NOTCH AT THE NECKLINE…CHIC!)

SEQUINS: HVN (IN MY CLOSET), THIS MINI, THIS EMERSON FRY, OR THIS UNEXPECTED $35 JEWELED SLIP WITH TIGHTS AND A GLITZY HEADBAND (LOOK FOR LESS WITH THIS $10 STEAL…JUST ORDERED AND WILL REPORT BACK ON TACKINESS FACTOR)

VELVET: VAMPIRE’S WIFE (SWOON), THIS REFORMATION (IN THE NAVY…SWOON AGAIN), OR THIS TIERED PRETTY (I WOULD WEAR THIS BAREFOOT FOR A FESTIVE DINNER AT HOME!)

DISCO QUEEN MOMENT: THIS MILLE WITH THESE HEELS

NYE: MICHAEL KORS OR ANYTHING IN YOUR CLOSET (INCLUDING FEATHERED OR JEWELED PAJAMAS) PAIRED WITH THESE $120 HEELS

HOT PINK (IT’S A THING ATM): THIS REFORMATION, THIS HUNTER BELL, OR THIS SALONI

JUMPSUIT: BOWS, SEQUINS (LOOK FOR LESS), OR THIS STARK WHITE COULD BE SPECTACULAR WITH A LITTLE FUR OVER THE SHOULDERS (BIANCA JAGGER DOES 2021?)

RED: STAUD (ALSO COMES IN DRAMATIC MAXI LENGTH — CHECK OUT THE BOW IN THE BACK), THIS TUCKERNUCK (WOULD WORK WITH BUMP), OR THIS WRAP STYLE ($35 — I OWN AN ALMOST IDENTICAL ONE FROM AMANDA UPRICHARD A FEW YEARS BACK AND IT IS SO CUTE!)

SEPARATES: THIS FEATHERED TOP (LOOK FOR LESS), THIS BELTED SKIRT (SUCH A FAB COLOR AND MATERIAL…PAIR WITH AN IVORY CASHMERE CREWNECK), THIS SEQUIN MIDI

P.S. Festive finds under $150, the feather trend, and statement accessories for winter.

P.P.S. Thoughts on leaving New York, a few months post-move.

P.P.P.S. On the notion that New York is “dead.”

By: Jen Shoop

My Latest Snag: Final Gift Push.

I spent some time this quarantine scrutinizing our gift lists for the children for fairness and diversity and ended up buying a few additional pieces and some smaller items for stocking stuffers (lots of ideas along those lines here) for them and some other littles in our life. Some of the finds I picked up:

A NEW BRIDGE AND SOME TRACK FOR MICRO’S BRIO SET

PLAY FOOD — FELT THIS SET WENT WELL WITH BOTH MINI’S KITCHEN AND MICRO’S GRILL…I PLAN ON SPLITTING IT UP AND INDIVIDUALLY WRAPPING A LOT OF THEM IN TISSUE TO FILL THEIR STOCKINGS AND DRAW OUT THE SURPRISE!

BOUGHT MICRO THIS JELLYCAT…MINI HAS ABOUT 3,000 STUFFED ANIMALS AND MICRO HAS ABOUT FIVE AND LOVES HIS THREADBARE LITTLE ELMO. WE HAD TO OFFER AN UPGRADE

BOUGHT MINI THIS RING KIT FOR HER STOCKING

A BUNCH OF THESE TOOBS TO GIVE OUT TO OUR LITTLE FRIENDS

NEW BOOKS! FOR MINI: THIS CYNTHIA RYLANT, CARMELA FULL OF WISHES (HER DECEASED COUSIN WAS NAMED CARM) AND TWO BOOKS (THIS ONE AND THIS ONE) FROM JON AGEE, WHOSE BOOKS ARE SO FUNNY AND CLEVER AND MINI ABSOLUTELY LOVES EVERYTHING HE DOES

FOR MICRO: TIME FOR SCHOOL LITTLE BLUE TRUCK (MY SON LOVES — LOVES!!!! — THIS SERIES AND STARTS SCHOOL AFTER CHRISTMAS), A BIG BED FOR LITTLE SNOW, AND SNOW

A MAILEG FOR MY SWEET LITTLE NIECE — A STARTER MOUSE, IF YOU WILL

THIS BUZZ LIGHTYEAR INFINITY BLASTER WHICH I WILL ALMOST CERTAINLY REGRET…WE RARELY BUY TOYS LIKE THIS BUT MY SON HAS LOST HIS MIND FOR BUZZ

CAMERA FOR MINI — THERE ARE CUTER STYLES OUT THERE BUT THIS GOT GOOD REVIEWS AND I WANT IT TO BE FUNCTIONAL/EASY TO USE FOR HER

We decided to sit on this gift until mini’s birthday, but I did buy her one of these Tonies boxes — it’s a screen-free storytelling device young children can use on their own, and they have lots of Disney stories. So cute.

You’re Soooo Popular: Holiday Finds + Sweaters.

The most popular items on le blog this week:

blog best sellers november 2021

FOR THE THIRD OR FOURTH WEEK RUNNING, THIS HELLY HENSEN PUFFER FOR LITTLES

TILLY’S NEW DOG TAG

SCALLOPED STATIONERY

FAIR ISLE SWEATER (ALSO LOVE — !! — THEIR BRAND NEW FAIR ISLE CARDI!!)

MINI FLOCKED TREE

MY NEW MADEWELL JEANS — CURRENTLY WEARING AND STILL CRUSHING ON THEM…SINCE BUYING, I HAVE BEEN ALMOST ALLERGIC TO MY SKINNY JEANS!

TARTAN TOP

MINI BOXWOOD WREATHS

CLEAR TOILETRY BAGS

CLARA NIGHTGOWN FOR A LITTLE ONE

HANDIEST KITCHEN CUTTING BOARD — SMALL SIZE IS SOOO HELPFUL

CHRISTMAS TABLECLOTH

APPLIQUE MAKEUP POUCH — I SO LOVE MINE

SMOCKED TARGET DRESS

Weekend Musings: Grace.

Thank you for the encouraging notes, emails, comments, DMs, etc on my post yesterday — so many of us have been in the same boat during this period and it was spiriting to remember that we are never alone in our challenges. Amidst the many incredibly kind acts of generosity from friends and family this week (I truly feel spoiled), one of my girlfriends wrote me a text that said:

“I hope you are giving yourself lots of grace during this quarantine time.

…And that Uber Eats and Amazon toys are coming in hot.”

Ha! Amen!

But truly — a reminder to give yourself some grace with whatever you are facing at the moment.

Post-Scripts.

+For those of you who missed out on the tartan nap dress launch: these are very similar in style and only $88! Contemplating the black plaid…would work as a Christmas dress with a bump or if nursing, too!

+Ann Taylor is killing it in the festive wear department. This is a fab sweater.

+Striking dress…love it in all three colors actually, including emerald green (<<more fab green finds here)!

+Fun coatigan situation discovered via Marlien Rentmeester!

+Saw this stunning dress on Bradley Agather and…! It’s now in my cart.

+Also in my cart: this fun cocktail ring! I haven’t worn a cocktail ring in forever but this one is SO chic and well-priced.

+This cropped plaid jacket is SO chic. I feel like it could be something by a high-end designer like Etro or Carolina Herrera!

+OO this puffer!!! It’s under $200 and looks so high end!!!

+This zip-up fleece comes in some really fun colors to throw on over workout clothes.

+This $115 hot pink sweater is SO good!

+Holiday outfits for littles.

+Gorgeous coated makeup pouches! Honestly, makeup/cosmetics pouches are such a great gift. I already have many but would always welcome more. I always find ways to use them or just find them convenient for stowing in separate tote bags so I’m always ready to go. I really love the ones from White Elephant, too. They are very similar to Cuyana but maybe a little bigger in their sizing and I like that you can buy them separately versus as a set.

+Dino holiday jammies!!!

+More Old Navy hits.

+Stocking stuffers for babies.

+Gorgeous letterpress gift tags.

+Sweet memory book for a little one.

+In case you’re shopping for someone who has everything.

By: Jen Shoop

*Image above via Filippa Hagg.

I’m due for a refresh in the base layer and underpinnings category. A few items I’m eyeing or am already loving for layering beneath sweaters and cool Euro-vibes coats a la the chic pea above this winter (BTW, I am totally contemplating a pair of Converse sneaks thanks to her!):

THIS J. CREW HENLEY

LOVE THE CUT OF AYR’S HANGOUT TEE — LOOKS LIKE A SLIGHTLY DRESSIER VERSION OF THIS OUTDOOR VOICES STYLE I LOVE AND WOULD BE PERFECT WITH THESE JEANS

SKIMS TEE

SPLENDID’S CREWNECK TEE — SLIM FIT AND PERFECT BENEATH A THICK SWEATER (IN LOVE WITH THEIR NEW FROSTING PINK STRIPE) OR FLEECE

OLD NAVY’S LS THERMALS ARE WORKHORSES — GREAT FOR LAYERING BENEATH SNOW GEAR, WEARING TO BED, ETC

INTO THE SLIGHTLY SOPHISTICATED NECKLINE OF THIS GAP TEE, AND THIS FEATHERWEIGHT VARIATION (ALSO FROM GAP) PROMISES TO BE NON-BULKY

THIS LONG-SLEEVED SLIM TEE FROM THE GREAT — LOVE THE CUFFS AND MATERIAL LOOKS WONDERFULLY LIGHTWEIGHT

THIS MANGO

EVERLANE WAFFLE HENLEYS

VELVET TEE

For underpinnings, still sticking with all my long-time favorites here but recently came across well-reviewed lingerie brand Negative and picked up a few of their styles, too! I also often get the question of what to wear beneath a nap dress and I go sans but have heard from all but one Magpie that this Skims style is PERFECT beneath. (It’s what Nellie Diamond suggests, too.)

My big question for you: what brands do you love for basic black non-athletic-looking leggings? I rarely wear this look so I usually just put on my Aligns if I’m going casual, but I also exercise in those so I always feel very dressed down in them. A few styles that seem like a better fit for pairing with sweaters…

THESE FROM MADEWELL

WOLFORD

SKIMS

P.S. Chic cold weather accessories and outerwear.

P.P.S. Crisp basics.

P.P.P.S. Imprints of a new lifestyle.

By: Jen Shoop

I’m smirking now at my Tuesday post on getting back into a running habit, because, well, as Robert Burns put it — “The best laid schemes o’ mice an’ men gang aft agley.” (“Gang aft agley” being Scottish for “often go wrong/awry.”) I wrote that on a high, blissfully unaware that by the time the post was published, we would be burrowing into quarantine because a loved one in our home has tested positive for COVID. Symptoms are mild, and the rest of us are negative, and it seems that the buck stopped here — no one else who we’d had contact with has tested positive — and so there are tiny victories to celebrate, and perspectives on which to perch. It could be worse! seems always on the tip of my tongue, at least when I am not driven to the point of minor mania owing to parenting while in conditions of lockdown.

And it well could be. I know this because I had COVID a year and a half ago, and those were dark times. The delta between living in semi-isolation (because true isolation was impossible in our NYC apartment) then, at the darkest depths of the pandemic in New York, when we could measure the severity of the shockingly high death toll by the frequency of ambulances careening down 86th to get across the Park to the hospitals, and I was frantically googling things like “how long does it take to get to the worst point of covid” and “what does it mean if I can’t taste anything” and “if I have symptoms x and y, is this considered a ‘severe’ case” and the results barely registered anything but fringe-y Reddit articles and personal Instagram posts because there just wasn’t enough information out there yet, and the city was empty and there was no one to turn to because everyone was frightened and quarantined —

And the reality of living through quarantine now, in our new home, with a big stretch of back yard and more space than we know what to do with, when the symptoms are mild and we know so much more treating this virus anyhow, and (and and and!) I am nestled deep in a network of the biggest-hearted friends who have brought by dinners, and crates of puzzles and stickers and crafts for the children, and bags of groceries, because many of them have been here before and know what it means — !

It’s a delta nearly too wide to calculate, and it’s a funny thing, to be grateful for the wideness between these two experiences, because I don’t feel grateful at all for the first go around, and I’m not on speaking terms with round two either. I still feel traumatized by the first. I had the conscious thought, when I was at the nadir of my symptoms and felt as though my body was being pressed through a pasta roller and could not keep anything down, that I would not permit myself to go to a hospital because I did not want to die there alone. There is not enough distance between the formulation of that thought and where I sit now to express anything but shuddering distaste. So instead I am simply grateful for the delta between then and now, and that will have to be enough to keep my wobbly legs peddling.

Onward!

Post-Scripts.

+On making it through the first go around: it begins with a prayer.

+It was hard to live through that experience in NYC. I always qualify that many people had it much worse, and that is incontrovertibly true. But it was really, really hard.

+On not treating life in the pandemic as an alternity. This is my one life!

+On a happier note: ice cream moments and golden moments.

+Time to dust off my favorite quarantine cocktail recipe.

Shopping Break.

On another happy note: some pretty things to divert attention.

+I feel like all of us are in a sequin mood this season — I can’t get enough. How cute is this $118 jumpsuit?!

+With all the time at home, we’ve been doing a ton of projects, crafts, and baking! This cookbook is great so far! We made the oatmeal chocolate cookie bars and they were delicious. Thanks to the Magpies who recommended this to me.

+As a result, I decided I need a Christmas cookie platter — torn between this Juliska and this $34 steal!

+Adorable mini velvet plaid skirt.

+Erin Gates described this candle as “the best seasonless candle.” Love the idea of finding a candle that works during any season! I will say I am majorly impressed with the holiday candle I got from Hotel Lobby (sold out in my scent now) and will be going back for more.

+Cute holiday tags to attach to your Christmas baking gifts!

+Have this sweater in the burgundy, might go back for a second colorway. I am so into turtleneck everything!

+Adorable velvet blouse (love the pearl buttons!)

+I’ve shared a few pictures of our “Christmas village” on the sideboard/buffet in our dining room and received a bunch of questions about them. They are Target from last year, but they have more similar ones this year, including these ceramic ones (probably not the best pick if you have little ones around) and these galvanized metal ones (almost identical to ours but mine are white). This $42 mini village set is also beyond adorable — such a fantastic price!

+Cute Christmas dress if you’re expecting — can wear without bump, too!

+Absolutely adore these earrings. Big enough to make a statement, but they’d go with anything (even a sweater and jeans).

+I bought fake snow and this set of trees and figurines for sensory play this week. Will I majorly regret the snow? Probably.

+In case any one else is in a similar boat: more sensory play ideas here and indoor activities for young children here.

+A fabulous indoor BBQ shrimp recipe.

+Something about this whimsical embroidered sweater speaks to me.

+I polled my Instagram Magpies to discern the best books we’ve recently read. The top three vote-getters: Elizabeth Strout’s Oh William, Miranda Heller’s Paper Palace, and Kristin Hannah’s The Four Winds.

+Two super cute ornaments I found: I think I have to buy this for my former-London-dwelling sister and this for my sewing afficionado MIL. And do I need this one? So cute!

+Cutest cardigan

+Love this sherpa jacket.

+Has anyone tried this handheld clothing press? It’s like a mix straightening iron for clothes. I’m super intrigued by this and might buy and test as an alternative to my steamer.

+More favorite laundry gear here.

+What to wear to a wedding.

By: Jen Shoop

*Image above via Ritz Paris.

It’s funny how seriously my daughter takes the subject of “favorite colors.” I was the same way — as a child, I was fiercely devoted to blue (just like her!), which was my calling card at home, where anything blue (blue cup, blue backpack, blue notebook, etc) belonged to me versus my other siblings, who pigeon-holed themselves with different colors. So I do get it when my daughter insists that anything pink must belong to me. It’s unintelligible that I would try to use any other color crayon, or wear any other color sticker, “because pink is mommy’s favorite.” Sometimes the symmetry and simplicity of youth is refreshing. I do love pink. Below, a few favorite pretty pink (and associated) finds:

feminine blog finds

ULLA JOHNSON TOP

SHRIMPS EARRINGS (ON SALE FOR UNDER $75)

SALAD PLATES — 60% OFF AND SUCHHHH A GOOD DEAL

GIFT ENCLOSURE CARDS

CULT GAIA PEARL CLUTCH

CHANTECAILLE HIGHLIGHTER — THE CHICEST ACCESSORY

MAKEUP REMOVING TOWELS — LOVE (!!) THESE — THE PERFECT SIZE

FLOCKED MINI TREE — WE HAVE SOMETHING ALMOST IDENTICAL FROM TARGET LAST YEAR

CLEAR TOILETRY BAGS — BOUGHT A SET OF THESE FOR “WRAPPING”/PRESENTING SOME OF THE BEAUTY GIFTS I BOUGHT LOVED ONES…WILL FILL WITH CRINKLE PAPER OR TISSUE PAPER + TUCK THE GOODIES, LIKE WESTMAN ATELIER LIT STICKS, WHICH I BOUGHT FOR A SISTER, INSIDE

EMILIA WICKSTEAD DRESS — SOOOO ELEGANT

SPIRAL TAPER CANDLES

MY BELOVED FURLANES, ON SALE!

PEARL SWEATER

VELVET JEWELRY CASE

BOW NAPKIN RINGS — I HAD THIS EXACT SET ON MY THANKSGIVING TABLE!! THE PRETTIEST COLOR AND PERFECT SIZE…WOULD ASK ETSY SELLER TO MAKE THE TIES LONG, THOUGH, BECAUSE MINE WERE TOO SHORT TO WRAP AROUND NAPKINS…ENDED UP TYING THEM TO GARLAND INSTEAD!

Not seen above, but had to add…

RUFFLE-EDGE SALAD PLATES

CAVIAR SPOONS – TALK ABOUT A CHIC GIFT

PEARL HANGERS — CUTE FOR A BRIDE TO DISPLAY WEDDING DRESS

BILLIE SALVE — I ADDED THIS TO MY MONTHLY BILLIE ORDER AND LOVE THE CONSISTENCY AND FLAVOR…I’M NOT CONVINCED IT REALLY MOISTURIZES LIPS FOR THE LONG HAUL, BUT I’VE FOUND THAT TO BE TRUE WITH ALMOST ALL LIP BALMS EXCEPT FOR 8 HOUR CREAM; STILL, FEELS LOVELY TO PUT ON AND A GREAT PRICE FOR A LITTLE SEMI-SHEER COLOR

P.S. If it’s hot pink you’re after…!

P.P.S. What mantras do you repeat to yourself?

P.P.P.S. Love has a long tail.

By: Jen Shoop

Q: Black velvet dress to go from work to dinner.

A: I think this Emerson Fry or this Ann Taylor are what you’re after. I also have seen this Saloni dress IRL and it would be demure enough for a work party but probably not for daytime at work, and the same goes for this Rhode. You might have to layer a cami beneath! For a formal work affair, can you EVEN with this black velvet cape dress and some glitzy earrings?!

Q: Postpartum fall/winter clothes.

A: I would buy a couple of longline statement cardigans you love to layer over nursing tanks and leggings for the early days. I love this style from Ann Taylor, this Ulla Johnson, and this Everlane. I felt like that formula enabled me to be comfortable, made nursing a breeze, and could be dressed up for visitors with a statement headband and spiffy flats.

I would also buy a handful of shirtdresses/button-front dresses (love this cord one from Daphne Wilde, this Mille, and this By Timo — all of them are loose-fit/self-tie waist so accommodate wherever you are physically in the post partum period) as well as a handful of nap dresses — so pretty, nursing-friendly, and easy to wear. Storq used to make a great nursing caftan and I wish they’d not discontinued it — I loved it! — but they have lots of other more loungewear oriented pieces for pregnancy through post partum that are worth a look.

Finally, in case you’ve not heard of it, Buru is a site designed specifically to accommodate mothers — you can sort their products by function, including “easy access” (for breast-feeding).

Q: Chic wastebaskets.

A: I like the ones from Kassatex. I have this one in my powder room. A few other chic options:

SCALLOPED GRANDMILLENNIAL PRINT

BRASS (LOOK FOR LESS)

THIS SEAGRASS STYLE

THIS LIDDED STYLE IS SMART FOR A BATHROOM — TARGET HAS A NEARLY IDENTICAL STYLE FOR $20

LACQUERED GLOSS STYLE IN WHITE — I IMAGINE IN A CHIC OFFICE

MONOGRAM — CUTE IN A CHILD OR TEEN’S ROOM

NEUTRAL WITH INTEREST

P.S. More fun bath accessories here and here.

Q: Business trip to SF.

A: Fun! I haven’t been to SF in years but I did spend a lot of time there at one time in my professional career and the vibe is definitely more casual than East Coast and MidWest. I’m not sure your line of work, but I think most places are denim-friendly out there. I would reach for looks like this: a pair of contemporary-feeling jeans with a cashmere crewneck, a quilted liner coat and some suede flats like these or these (look for a ton less with these!). This reads casual but polished. Personally, I wore a lot of shirtdresses out there that could be dressed down with flats — styles like this from Thierry Coulson, this elegant CO, and this Daphne Wilde.

Q: Holiday cocktail party dress.

A: Chin chin! I shared some favorite holiday dressing inspo here and here, but a few of my standout favorite holiday dresses…

THIS VELVET MINI WITH GUCCI TIGHTS (OR OTHER PRINTED TIGHTS)

THIS SEQUINED MIDI

THIS TARTAN MINI

THIS SEQUINED MINI

FEELING HOT PINK THIS SEASON — LOVE THIS HUNTER BELL AND THIS MARCHESA

THIS IN NAVY PLAID

THIS ULLA DRESS

THIS ANN TAYLOR — LOVE THE WAY IT’S STYLED, WITH BROWN SUEDE BOOTS!

ANY OF EMERSON FRY’S SEQUINED BEAUTIES — LOVE THIS AND THIS PARTICULIEREMENT!

Q: Attractive outdoor toy storage. Long shot, I know.

A: This bench-style would be chic if you’re talking smaller things like baseball mitts, bubbles, sidewalk chalk, etc., or this similar driftwood situation. If it’s more sports gear (balls, baseball bats, etc), I like the idea of this, where children can easily spot items — though they wouldn’t be protected from the elements. If you’re thinking of even bigger items, like bikes, ride-ons, etc., I would maybe visit a hardwore store for an outdoor shed or look into something like this?

Q: Dresses for holiday family pics.

A: I find this La Ligne to be ultra-flattering and mildly holiday-ish in a sophisticated, muted way. The sleeves are on-trend and the cut is 100 100 100 100 (imagine I’m typing the emoji there). Damaris Bailey’s dark green florals are also stunning and feminine — Emilia Wickstead on a budget! — and I ordered this style but also love this more formal variation. The Saloni bow dresses could also be a chic option you’ll wear for Christmases to come!

Q: Affordable holiday dresses.

A: I’ve got you covered here! This tartan mini and this sequined mini are standouts.

Q: Gifts for a friend who’s a major foodie.

A: Love this question! I would suggest Eataly olive oil or pasta, grits and/or oats from Anson Mills, or Breads Bakery babkas.

Q: Winter coat while pregnant. (I live in Chicago!)

A: Tricky because it gets cold there. I did have a Canada Goose while pregnant there but I remember when my bump got too big for it and wearing it open in the front just did not cut it. My mom bought me a maternity puffer from A Pea in the Pod similar to this one, and I gave it to my sister (wonderful hand-me-down, as no one wants to buy a coat that will be worn for a few months). Unfortunately I think this is one of those situations where you need to bite the bullet and buy a proper maternity coat.

Q: Dress for an outdoor January wedding at a California winery.

A: Had to check the weather for this one — assuming it will be in the 50s at night? I would go for this Damaris Bailey, this Caroline Constas, or this Hunter Bell with a cropped jacket or cashmere wrap.

Q: Winter boots for a toddler boy.

A: I shared all my favorite winter footwear for little ones here, but my son absolutely lives in Hunter boots when it’s mild and Sperry boots when it’s cold.

Q: Navy peacoat for men.

A: I would check out the options at J. Crew, Buck Mason, or Ralph Lauren. Classics!

Q: Under $100 fun going out tops (dinner dates) for winter/fall.

A: Cute — a few favorites:

THIS PEPLUM SWEATER

THIS ENGLISH FACTORY

PRETTY WHITE BLOUSE

SILK CAMI — A GWYNETH P.-VIBES CLASSIC

SMOCKED PUFF-SLEEVE TOP

Q: Cute comfortable water resistant shoes for work (i.e., playground time).

A: You’re in luck — there are a bunch of chic Chelsea-style rainboots that would fit the bill. I think these from Target are incredibly chic and only $25! Have heard good reviews about this specific pair from a friend. I also love these lace-ups from Bernardo! I also love these trending lug-sole ones from Sam Edelman in the bone color!

Q: Affordable oversized camel/tan turtleneck.

A: Kismet! Just discovered this $36 one via Marlien Rentmeester.

Q: Matching Christmas outfits for 4mo girl and 2.5 year old girl.

A: Lots of cute holiday outfits for littles here, but I really love the tartan from La Coqueta (this is made in sizes to fit both!), or the plaid from Beaufort Bonnet (this for baby, this for big sis). Finally, check out the sweet matching pieces from Sal E Pimenta, like this bubble for baby and this dress for sister.

Q: A belted navy coat under $100.

A: For the first time, I’m stumped. Is this a unicorn style? I could not find one that I liked that fit these specs. Let me share a few options that dance around the criteria in case they work:

THIS BELTED WRAP COAT — NO NAVY, BUT GREAT ALTERNATE COLORS (THE CAMEL!)

THIS UNBELTED GAP (FRENCH STREET STYLE VIBES)

THIS BELTED COAT — I LIKE THE POCKETS AND SHAWL COLLAR AND THE PRICE IS RIGHT…NO NAVY THOUGH

Q: Flower girl dress for a black tie wedding in D.C. in April.

A: Super splurge: a Pepa & Co or Amaia dress. They’re what the royals wear! More reasonable: this sweet Luli and Me or something from Feltman Brothers like this white beauty.

Q: Dangly linear earrings that make a statement, but that I can also wear more than once.

A: Elizabeth Cole has a bunch of fabulous ones out this season. I feel like this gold pair would go with SO much and would be complementary versus the center-point (thus, easy to wear again and again). That said, I’d probably go for this pair by the same brand. They’re more of memorably bold statement but goodness! Don’t you think people will thank you for wearing them twice?! They just wink at you. I also SUPER love these ones from Shrimps.

Q: Travel tote bag.

A: By car, Paravel. It’s enormous and makes finding things easy. I love this for “overflow bulky stuff” like curling irons and shoes that don’t quite fit into baggage. They also make the bag in a small and medium size that would work for travel more generally. (E.g., I wouldn’t advise the large size for air travel — don’t think it’d fit under a seat and would be pretty bulky.) If you’re traveling with children, the MZ Wallace Metro is where it’s at. Weighs next to nothing on its own, and has a zipper at the top, which is SO handy for jamming in that extra thing on the top and not having it fall out while you’re carrying a baby on one hip and the bag on the other shoulder. For work, I used to liked to travel with my Cuyana zip-top back in the day for a similar reason — it doesn’t have great structure but that was kind of handy because I’d just slide it under the seat, and if it collapsed to the side, it didn’t matter because of the zipper. It fits a laptop easily and looks sophisticated.

By: Jen Shoop

A handful of my absolute favorite possessions, some newer acquisitions and some older…

The Fashion Magpie Favorite Things

SCALLOPED STATIONERY — MY FAVORITE VEHICLE FOR QUICK NOTES TO FRIENDS

MY FAVORITE FINE-POINT PENS — HAVE USED SINCE HIGH SCHOOL!

MINNA MITTENS — THE WARMEST (FLEECE-LINED!)

J. CREW TISSUE TURTLENECKS — LIVE IN THESE + LOVE TO PAIR WITH CARDIGANS

DARN TOUGH SOCKS — THE WARMEST SOCK…IT JUST *HUGS* YOUR FOOT

ELEMIS MAKEUP REMOVING BALM — THIS IS SORT OF LIKE MY “EVENING INDULGENCE” WHEN I’VE HAD A LONG DAY…IT MELTS INTO SKIN, SMELLS LIKE HEAVEN, + IS REMOVED WITH WARM WASHCLOTH! ALWAYS MAKES ME FEEL LIKE I’VE BEEN TO A SPA BEFORE BED

EUROPEAN SAVORY PASTRY TWISTS — MY MIL INTRODUCED ME TO THESE (THERE ARE MANY SIMILAR BRANDS) + THEY ARE MY FAVORITE HAPPY HOUR NIBBLE

CHANEL BAG — I BOUGHT THIS FOR MYSELF AFTER MEETING A MAJOR WORK MILESTONE TWO CAREERS AGO AND IT HAS PROVEN TO BE MY BEST INVESTMENT; CAN BE DRESSED UP OR DOWN, WORKS WITH ANY OUTFIT IN ANY SEASON, AND AT ANY AGE!

ARMANI MASCARA — MY LONGTIME FAVORITE…LOVE A DARK, DRAMATIC LASH

FAUX FUR STOLE — THE EASIEST WAY TO MAKE YOURSELF FEEL FESTIVE WITH ZERO EFFORT! PAIR WITH JEANS AND A CREWNECK SWEATER AND THERE YOU GO

HERMES WATCH — WEARING THIS WITH ANYTHING (EVEN JEANS AND A TEE) MAKES ME FEEL LIKE A MILLION BUCKS

LAKE PAJAMAS SHORTS SET — JUST THINKING ABOUT THEM RELAXES ME…SO SOFT

MINI CUTTING BOARD — SO RANDOM, BUT I USE THIS MORE THAN ANY OTHER CUTTING BOARD IN OUR HOME…PERFECT SIZE FOR PREPARING A SANDWICH, SLICING CITRUS FOR A COCKTAIL, DICING GRAPES FOR LITTLE ONES

CHAMPAGNE COUPES — MINE ARE VERY SIMILAR TO THESE AND THEY MAKE A WEEKNIGHT COCKTAIL OR GLASS OF SPARKLING WINE SO SPECIAL

Other favorites, not seen above…

MR CLEAN GLOVES — THE ONLY WAY I CAN GET MANICURES + DO AS MUCH DISH-WASHING AND COOKING AS I DO

NO 6 CLOG BOOTS — STILL MY FAVORITE…I REALIZED TODAY IN PART BECAUSE THEY’RE JUST SO EASY TO PULL ON AND GO!

PEPPERMINT TEA — DRINK THIS CLOSE TO DAILY…THE SMOOTHEST

MONOGRAMMED COSMETIC POUCH — BRINGS ME JOY EVERY DAY HAVING THIS IN MY BAG

MY NEW SLIPPERS — IMPOSSIBLY COMFORTABLE AND WARM…I EVEN WALK TILLY IN THESE (SHHH!)

ELIZABETH ARDEN 8 HOUR CREAM

“1+1 = 3” OR “RAVENTOS I BLANC” CAVAS — I LOVE A WEEKNIGHT SPARKLING WINE, AND THESE ARE AFFORDABLE AND ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS WHEN YOU NEED TO LIVEN UP A TUESDAY NIGHT, PREFERABLY OUT OF A COUPE…FOR DC LOCALS, YOU CAN FIND 1+1 = 3 OFTEN ON SALE AT CALVERT + WOODLEY FOR AROUND $15!

BOLL + BRANCH BED BLANKET — LOVE THE WEIGHT AND TEXTURE OF THIS BLANKET…SO SOFT

P.S. My favorite home gear and my last roundup of favorite things.

P.P.S. All my favorite skincare and beauty.

P.P.P.S. On raising a child of books.

By: Jen Shoop

This is probably my favorite party ice breaker of all time. It’s such an easy conversation-starter, and a natural way to laugh about ourselves and cultivate a shared bond over nostalgia for our youth.

The first musical recording I recall owning was a bootleg version of Mariah Carey’s “Hero” that my best friend’s older sister recorded right off the radio (probably 97.1 for fellow Washingtonians) using a cassette recorder. You could hear her click the recorder buttons, the lyrics were interrupted by horrible static midway through, and the tail end was clipped by the DJ’s monologue, but I treasured it. I remember listening to it over and over and over again on my clock-radio-tape-deck combo. That was the summer before fourth grade, if I recall correctly, and shortly after, I saved up my money to purchase Ace of Base’s “The Sign” album from Sam Goody. Who else owned this flash-in-the-pan classic?!

My most treasured CDs from that era were Alanis Morissette’s “Jagged Little Pill” — oh my God, I loved that album so much, and still do –, Dixie Chicks’ “Fly” album (likewise, still play this album at top decibel — great driving music), and Mariah Carey’s “Music Box,” which actually my sister owned, and remains a crowd pleaser when my college girlfriends and I get together. My parents had the soundtrack to “The Bodyguard” at some point in this period and I loved that one, too. Sometimes Mr. Magpie will put on 90s pop while we are cleaning the house and — !!! It gets the people going!

What about you?

Post-Scripts.

+Songs with surprise meanings.

+A John Prine song that makes me weak in the knees.

+More lyrics to love.

+And a song that will forever remind me of falling in love with my husband.

Shopping Break.

+If you’re not in the mood to go all out with a statement dress this holiday season, maybe just a sip with this fun headband on NYE?

+Alternately, pair your stalwart LBD with these fabulous $119 disco shoes. LE BEST. I think I need these, too.

+40% off Hanky Panky! Just ordered this exact set. More of my favorite undergarments here.

+If you are a member of Zulily (free to join — it’s a flash sale site), there are some really good statement toys on sale, including this doll house and this play work bench ($30!)

+Tilly’s new dog tag arrived and I shared it on Instagram and received a ton of questions about it! So inexpensive and I love the cursive they use. I engraved our address/phone on the back.

+Two cute options for gift tags from Santa to your children: these vintage Santa heads and these letterpress tags.

+I love this pastel-colored Scrabble board.

+Has everyone already heard about this $8 oil-absorbing stone face roller? I’m intrigued. Gets great reviews. “LIKE BLOTTING PAPERS, BUT BETTER: This face roller is made of real volcanic stone, which soaks up excess oil instantly. It’s our secret for fresh, shine-free skin any time. Use it on a clean or finished face—it won’t mess up your makeup.”

+Love this funky mushroom pendant necklace. I feel like mushrooms have been all over the place lately in decor! Check out all the tabletop pieces in this motif from Mrs. Alice!

+Related: how cute are these hand-knit mushroom-motif sweaters for tiny ones? Also love these!

+Adore these sheets for a boy’s room.

+Found some of those Barefoot Dreams throws everyone loves on sale at Nordstrom Rack!

+I noticed that a few of the chic moms at my daughter’s school in Manhattan retired their Canada Goose coats for Mackage last year. Such chic winter-wear!

+This waffle-knit cardigan with the jewel buttons is ultra-chic.

+These $5 mugs are still in stock in most letters!

+Just re-ordered my favorite tea of all time. We blow through boxes of these — both Mr. Magpie and I are obssessed.

+Speaking of peppermint — this peppermint gift wrap!

+I know I shared these peppermint plates yesterday, but I think I need them. Imagine serving up a slice of cheesecake or chocolate cake on top. So dramatic!

+Another sweet pair of holiday pajamas. (More picks here.)

+Just pledging my eternal commitment to Tubby Todd ointment. We still use this constantly on the children — abrasions, irritations, diaper rashes, etc!

+RedValentino does such fun, whimsical outerwear — like this scalloped Barbie pink cape and this felted wool coat. Pair either with ACNE’s striped beanie or &OtherStories lookalike.

+This throw blanket and pillow set is too cute.

+Target also has some cute pop-up playhouses at reasonable prices — love this farmer’s market one.

+I’ve seen these baby keepsake trunks advertised before and I always dismissed them because I felt I didn’t have space in our NYC apartment for something like this. Everything had to be jammed in and configured and stowed as compactly as possible. (Thank God for the enormous vac pac bags — you fold up clothes and then suck out all the extra air using your vacuum hose and it shrinks everything down super-compactly.) Anyhow, with more space, I came across them again recently and thought it would be such a special place to stow items of special significance, like Baptismal candle, baby shoes, first locket of hair, special letters, etc!

+This popular chandelier is on sale at the moment, as is this chic flush mount!

By: Jen Shoop

Tis the season! If you’re having friends over for cocktails, may I suggest my favorite festive cocktail? It requires some prep (and a special ingredient in the form of pomegranate molasses), but is absolutely delicious and a little too easy to throw back. We had them before dinner with friends at our home two weeks ago and they were a big hit. And if you’re looking for a hearty, crowd-pleasing appetizer to feed a crowd, here is your answer. Now, to set the table!

I do want to call out two chic discovery: many of you have asked for chic Advent wreaths, and I adore this one I just found on Etsy. Don’t forget the colored candles! You light one additional candle as each week passes, and the third week, you light the pink one — it’s a reminder that Christmas is about to come. Second: how adorable is this holiday baby plate, cup, and bowl set? While on the subject of melamine, these $3 holiday plates would be great for passing out baked goods!

holiday 2021 tabletop finds
SCALLOPED TABLEMATS // SCALLOPED SALAD PLATES // STOCKING HOLDERS // CHEESE KNIVES SET // ETCHED COUPES // COCKTAIL NAPKINS // BOXWOOD GARLAND // TARTAN DINNER PLATES // TREE CANDLE // STRIPED NAPKINS // GOLD TAPER CANDLES // STAR GARLAND // MERCURY GLASS PILLAR CANDLE HOLDER // VILLAGE SET

Even more below:

P.S. More holiday finds here and here.

P.P.S. What to wear this holiday season.

P.P.P.S. Taking the holiday season nice and slow this time around.

By: Jen Shoop

Yesterday, I went running for the first time in two months. The hiatus was unwanted: a heel injury, and then I permitted life to get in the way. It is alarming how easy it is to fall out of a habit. After a few weeks of legitimate recovery, I found it distressingly effortless to continue to punt back my return-to-the-trail. “Not tomorrow because I have x…” and “Not Friday because I really need to run those errands instead” and “It’s Thanksgiving week! I’ll get back to it after the holiday…” Amazing how busy you can become when you allow yourself to pencil in alternatives to exercise in your schedule.

The most galvanizing tip I’ve ever received on habit formation came from a Magpie reader, who said (paraphrasing) that “exercising is not an option; it’s an imperative.” When she said that, I realized how difficult it had been for me to commit to a regular running routine because I had been treating it as a hypothetical. I had to retrain my mind to accept that running was not an “if I have time” kind of thing. It was an immovable block in my schedule, every other morning. I began to rearrange plans to accommodate it. On my calendar, every other morning between 9-10 am was grayed out to indicate NOTHING CAN HAPPEN HERE EXCEPT FOR RUNNING. Suddenly, running wasn’t ancillary to other activities, or that unwanted sixty minute block shoe-horned in after the fact. Because I often think in terms of grammar: running went from prepositional to predicate.

And so this hiatus left me disappointed in myself. I had slid back into my old ways! I’m all for giving myself grace when I need it, but I was really grasping at straws with this one. If I have time to read, I have time to run. And so —

My run yesterday was a tonic I drank thirstily. My body feels better, my mind feels lighter, and something about snapping back into the habit gives me the bracing sensation of realignment, as if I’ve been riding around on a bike with one semi-flat wheel that I’ve just now repaired.

I did something out of character for my run yesterday: I ran free. I did not track my mileage, pace, or time. And — though this was unplanned — ended up not running with any music. Just me, the pavement, the chill of the November air. I am competitive by nature (mainly with myself) and so this arrangement was uncomfortable at the start. How will I know when to pick up the pace? When should I turn around? By and by, these thought bubbles floated away and I found myself running in a way that felt good — invigorating, attainable — rather than hard. I usually push myself. Yesterday, I let myself fall into a gait that felt natural. I ran for completion rather than perfection. I ran just to run.

I think a big learning of the past few years, especially as I have had the time to reflect on my own writing and to offer counsel on occasion to other writers, is that we don’t always need to perform as though we are in high-stakes environments. Sometimes we are, and that’s that: we must muscle up and do our best. But most of the time, pressure is a choice. I can opt to make my running routine competitive, tracking my time and mileage, or I can not. I can try my hand at a new hobby and shrug laughingly at my ineptitude. I can attempt to complete one last to-do or I can give myself fifteen minutes to do nothing at all. I can say no to something that feels stressful. I can journal with no objective but to fill a page with half-formed thoughts. It is helpful, I think, to imagine that I am sometimes in a greater position of control than I think when it comes to the velocity of my daily life.

Post-Scripts.

+On creating a buffer between my work self and my mom self.

+On lowering expectations.

+On remembering that the most important interval is the one we’re running right now.

+To the athlete at the start line.

+Speaking of beginnings, how do you start your day?

+200 runs through Central Park.

+A Bob Seger song I listened to *a lot* while running through Manhattan.

Shopping Break.

+Running in the cold yesterday made me grateful for the investments I made in good running gear last winter. These are my favorite items for exercise in the cold:

TRACKSMITH BASE LAYERS AND RUNNING TIGHTS (SIZE UP IN THE TIGHTS)

NIKE KNIT HEADBAND

NEW BALANCE HEATLOFT JACKETS AND TUNICS (BREATHABLE AND THIN BUT ULTRA-INSULATING)

$15 RUNNING GLOVES

+Somehow this heatloft cropped funnel-neck is only $23!!!! I think I slightly prefer the longer length of the jacket and tunic to afford extra warmth around the mid-section but, I mean…$23?! I might have to pick one up, too.

+I have been running with the trendy Hoka One Ones for months now and think I will go back to Nike Flyknits again — Nikes just work better for me. I find them lighter-weight and less bulky.

+This is the only toothpaste my children will tolerate. Currently on sale in a pack of 3!

+More household must-haves and repeat-buys here.

+Desperate for an excuse to wear a white evening skirt like this. WOW.

+Love a statement puffer.

+How cute are these dino sweatshirts?! Both of my children would love these!

+Micro starts school (!) in January and I just realized I need to order all of his school gear. I just bought him this mini backpack in red (you can get $15 off using code WELCOME15, making it $30!) and one of these classic seersucker monogrammed lunchboxes with his monogram on the front. Mini has the same lunchbox and I like it because it’s insulated-ish (wipeable interior) and fits these three-compartment bento boxes perfectly. I’ve become a huge devotee of the bento boxes because they are microwave and dishwasher safe, the largest compartment is a great size for a sandwich or a serving of pasta (two lunch mainstays in my children’s diets), and I like having two other small compartments — one for fruit and the other for something crunchy (pretzels, granola balls, etc.). Also, they are cheap! So if they get lost or dinged up, it’s not as alarming as when the same fate befalls one of the more expensive bento options from Yumbox or Bentgo. Finally, I find my children can open these boxes on their own, without adult intervention, whereas some of the other models are a bit tricky for younger children.

+OMG this baseball stationery for a little one!

+This would be such a cute way to announce a pregnancy to soon-to-be grandparents.

+I love the dried citrus on this wreath, though we ended up buying a magnolia wreath for our front door this season!

+Speaking of front doors, I love these classic mats from Frontgate.

+This Etsy shop has truly showstopping gift wrap.

+Such a gorgeous light fixture.

+Cute stocking stuffer for an Elmo-obsessed little one.

+These pearl drop earrings are almost 50% off — pretty for a bride or a spring affair!

+Inspired by French kitchen design.

+This nail polish is stupidly expensive, but the red color is fabulous. I like that it comes in a dramatic Hermes box — thought immediately that it would be a fun gift to give alongside a gift card to a nail spa for a lady who enjoys a manicure.

+This tablecloth is beyond gorgeous.

+Year after year, these sweatshirts with the puffed sleeves are tres popular. I own in the ecru color!

+This denim mini is so cute!

+Cute dino sneaks for a little one.

By: Jen Shoop

OK, had to squeeze in one final sale today that I missed earlier: Janie + Jack is offering 35% off sitewite (up to 70% off certain pieces) plus free ship. I feel as though J&J’s discounts are usually 20% at most with current-season finds, and then their clearance section is a gold mine, but this is a unique promotion in that you can get a ton of wear-now pieces at a great price. Free ship always sweetens the deal for me.

If I had a newborn, I would find it hard not to jump on the opportunity to buy the cashmere sweater and leggings set seen above! BEYOND. This would be sweet for a tiny one at Christmas — keep him or her bundled but festive!

janie and jack sale finds

I’m using the promotion to buy micro these velvet pants and this plaid button down ($20!) as an alternative holiday outfit — I know we’ll have a bunch of festivities coming up and it’s great to have options — and these suede drivers are also in my cart. He already owns a bunch of their other pieces, including this perfect (!) rugby shirt, only $20 now!, and their straight-leg jeans.

For girls, I love this sweater, this Ulla-esque knit, these cord leggings, and this $26 tile-print dress, which I’ll save for next spring.

And if you have an itty bitty, love this pink knit romper — save for Valentine’s Day and pair with cableknit tights!

On the subject of children, Target and Amazon have some good deals on toys I had to share —

THIS ELMO ALPHABET CASE HAS HAD SURPRISINGLY LONG LEGS IN OUR HOME — BOTH OF MY CHILDREN LOVE IT! — AND CURRENTLY ONLY $10

MY CHILDREN HAVE BEEN IN AN EPIC TOY STORY OBSESSION MODE THE LAST MONTH — MINI OWNS BOTH THIS BUZZ AND THIS WOODY AND THEY ARE A CONSTANT SOURCE OF ANGST BECAUSE MICRO WANTS TO PLAY WITH THEM SO BADLY

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SETS ARE ON SALE AT AMAZON

BOTH OF MY CHILDREN ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS SKIP HOP ACTIVITY CENTER ONCE THEY COULD HOLD THEIR HEADS UPRIGHT — A TOTAL LIFESAVER FOR US AS PARENTS, TOO

A $6 PLAY-DOH SET TO GIVE OUT TO THE LITTLE GIRLS ON YOUR LIST…FEELS MUCH MORE SUBSTANTIAL THAN $6!

P.S. More gift ideas here.

P.P.S. Many of the children’s sales shared here are still ongoing, and some have sweetened the deal with free shipping today!

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