Images above via Stylecaster and The Impression.This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links below, I may receive compensation.
I am suddenly drawn to glacial blue, which seems to be popping up all over the place. Love the way this icy hue compliments trending metallics! I am specifically eyeing this patterned Cara Cara turtleneck — such GREAT prints from this brand, and the patterned turtleneck is such an easy way to feel polished and interesting with minimal effort. Mix up the look by layering beneath different cardigans/blazers, pairing with corduroys/skirts/jeans.
*Included in Saks’ Cyber Week promotion ($50 off every $200 you spend with code CYBER23SF). You can see a few of my favorite picks, and me styling a gorgeous Alice + Olivia dress included in the promo, here.
If you want more Magpie, you can subscribe to my Magpie Email Digest for a weekly roundup of top essays, musings, conversations, and finds. Subscribers will be getting a surprise holiday treat in their inboxes next week.
By: Jen Shoop
On a long and cold morning run the day after Thanksgiving, I conducted a post-mortem of the holiday’s festivities:
Food — excellent, thanks to Mr. Magpie.
Logistics — could be enhanced by designating trusted guests to help with two specific just-before-mealtime tasks: a) a drink-filling (to circulate the room and make sure everyone is set with beverages just before we sit), and b) a plate-filling (to help with transferring items to their serving dishes).
Other — My son refused to wear the $80 sweater I’d purchased him; the magnolia leaf garland I’d ordered in lieu of a centerpiece did not arrive in time; we were not able to get a family photo for our Christmas card; and my children ate forty-five Ritz crackers, a begrudging bite or two of turkey, and absolutely none of the side dishes we’d lovingly prepared, and then went to bed hungry. I also generally forgot the kids would need to be served (I’d set up the children’s table in a different room because our dining room was packed with 12 adults), and this created a bottleneck of sorts. By the time all of the adults had been served, family-style, around the table, my sister and I were scurrying around trying to fill the children’s plates in the other room, and then there was the requisite “I need more milk / I don’t like turkey / can I have pasta?” conversation that waylaid me on my way back to my seat. After dinner, Mr. Magpie pointedly asked, “Did you enjoy your long, leisurely dinner?” as I think I’d sat in my chair for a grand total of ten minutes between errands.
As soon as I found myself lingering in the “other” category, these words materialized:
“Forget your perfect offering There is a crack in everything That’s how the light gets in”
-Leonard Cohen
Forget your perfect offering. In my haste to assess the imperfect presentation of the event, I’d neglected to think about all the light we let in:
My daughter, without any direction or suggestion on our end, lovingly drawing Happy Thanksgiving cards for each attendee, including my brother-in-law’s parents, whom she’d never met before. (You can see a small corner of one in the photo at the top of this post.) Each card included the message: “I hope you have a nice Thanksgiving with me.” The fact that she anticipated her central involvement (“with me!”) in the Thanksgiving experience of twelve adults moves me deeply.
My father reading the same simple and moving prayer he has read every Thanksgiving for decades now. I love his oration: firmly, with intent, as though (maybe, Dad?) he needs to muscle his way through its poignancy to get it out.
The silhouette of my husband and my father-in-law crowding around the turkey fryer in the backyard, tampering with the temperature, assessing doneness. Father and son around fire: bonds primordial.
My children running amok with their cousins, blind with glee — a blur of corduroy and fair isle and little swoopy bangs and shrieking laughter. Core memories in formation.
My mother presenting me with a gift at the doorway: a silver chafing dish from her own collection. Its bestowal felt like an anointing, or a passing-of-the-entertaining-the-family torch. Mother and daughter, warming ourselves around the role of keeping the family together, maintaining its traditions and togethernesses.
So yes, Jen —
Forget your perfect offering.
Let the light in wherever it may this season.
(Including in our sans-family-portrait Christmas cards.)
Post-Scripts.
If you want more Magpie, you can subscribe to my Magpie Email Digest for a weekly roundup of top essays, musings, conversations, and finds. Subscribers will be getting a surprise holiday treat in their inboxes next week.
+The above thoughts also reminded me: are expectations the enemy?
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links below, I may receive compensation.
+The gal sitting next to me at the nail salon the other day was wearing this J. Crew sweater/jacket situation. She looked SO chic and polished — she’d clearly come straight from work. The woman on the other side of her clearly agreed with my assessment, because she asked where she’d bought it! So cute layered over jeans, too.
+A cute holiday dress for a little who doesn’t like the smocking/ruching/sashes/etc. Pima cotton but still traditional and polished. Obviously perfect for The Nutcracker!
+Really good velvet trousers. The color is amazing. Also obsessing over this feather-trim velvet blazer!
+These personalized gift bags for kids are great for oversized gifts from Santa.
+My mom bought all the men in my family these Faherty quilted pullovers (more colors here) a few years ago and they are heavily worn by most of them. Mr. Magpie has this exact color and it’s so handsome! He wears casually but also as a top layer for golf.
+Another great gift from my mom to all the men in our family from another year: Smathers & Branson belts.
+I just added these faux-bois coasters to my collection. They are so handy (wipe clean!) and chic!
+Cute toy storage option – you can personalize with things like “cars,” “books,” “Barbies,” or the child’s name. This truck book storage situation is also adorable (and heavily discounted).
+This is so random, but this enormous Stoney Clover pouch is one of my favorite possessions. It is BIG and I find it helpful when traveling with the kids (toss all their haircare, dental care, medicines, etc) in it. Also like for stowing beauty products I’m in the process of testing.
+And these gingham personalized pouch is SO cute. Imagine buying for a new mama for diaper bag organization!
+Cute idea: buy a holiday ornament to commemorate a special trip you’ve taken each year. Like this one for a trip to Paris!
By: Jen Shoop
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links below, I may receive compensation.
I just went through my entire social calendar for December and tried on a bunch of outfits for each. I’ve never been so organized or strategic about my outfits in the past, but there is a lot happening this season…! The only big gaps I have are a Christmas tea, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day, but I will probably re-wear a tartan dress I bought from Nina Blanc last year for Christmas Day, and maybe my trusty tartan trousers (almost identical to these; usually pair with a black feather top like this) for Christmas Eve? I may cave and buy this gorgeous Damaris Bailey for Christmas Eve. I can’t stop thinking about it and I love my other dress from her. For the tea…I heard that Doen is launching one final winter collection and am wondering if the perfect dress will materialize. (P.S. Doen is offering an extra 20% off their Giving Thanks sale today only — discount appears in cart. This top is now around $80!)
For a holiday cocktails and caroling event: this fab La Ligne skirt (true to size — $25 off with code MAGPIE25) and this J. Crew lurex trutleneck with Aquazzura pom heels (old, similar here). Proof that Christmas doesn’t need to be red/white/green! The pink feels so unexpectedly festive. Throughout all photos, I’m wearing horribly chipped nails (proof of Thanksgiving cooking/cleaning!) and these old Rebecca de Ravenel earrings, but will probably mix up the jewelry/accessories quite a bit and rotate in a bunch of my Dorsey pieces.
For a holiday cocktail party at a friend’s home (attire: festive cocktail), this ALC dress. I styled them here with plain black suede pumps but I think it’s more likely I’ll wear my Dee Ocleppo heels (on sale!) This dress runs TTS. I went a size down from my usual size (I’m typically an 0, but can usually wear an 00 in dresses for some reason) and it’s very snug. I’m debating whether to return for 0.
For a Kacey Musgraves Christmas viewing party (I’ve done this the past few years in different permutations — I LOVE that weird, campy show), contemplating wearing this FUN Alice + Olivia confection. Mesh/voile/tulle have been so in this season and the sleeves are SO fun. Love the rich floral pattern, too. This is a very Kacey look.
For the Nutcracker, I’m planning to wear this tartan taffeta skirt (I took a petite 0) with this mesh turtleneck ($22!) and this Tuckernuck jacket (on sale!). I styled here with lace trim Louboutins (old!), but will probably wear a more practical heel as there will be walking and children involved.
For Christmas cookie making with family, this HHH nap dress (exact style sold out, but same tartan pattern here in a different style) and this sweater.
P.S. More festive holiday finds here. And, not seen in this post but absolutely being worn, are my metallic VB jeans. I actually have them at the tailor right now to hem them a bit shorter. Want them to be able to be worn with ballet flats.
P.P.S. What are the holiday traditions that matter?
If you want more Magpie, you can subscribe to my Magpie Email Digest for a weekly roundup of top essays, musings, conversations, and finds. Subscribers will be getting a surprise holiday treat in their inboxes next week.
When I was younger, I carried my missteps like little rocks in my pocket — small, occasionally jolting when mispositioned, worse on the occasions I felt them in aggregate, but overall easy to forget, or accommodate, or simply push aside.
It’s a strange thing: nowadays, I find myself better conditioned to extend myself grace for the minor errors and oversights, to let the rocks drop out of my palm instead of lodging them at my waist,
but the bigger things —
I carry those like the sky depends on me. At 20, I had the sense that there were inexhaustible forgivenesses and greenswards and Septembers. At 40, the stakes feel higher; the tracks behind me trudge-like, inexpungeable. I am walking through the formal living room with muddy feet.
I don’t know how to make sense of this rearrangement in dynamics. Perhaps this is the way of age: we know better, so we must do better, and when we don’t, it is Atlas faltering. We have decades and decades worth of tools to help us choose the right thing, and so when we do the wrong thing, the failure ripples upstream and down, as far as the eye can see, rather than plunging, stone-like, straight to the bottom.
I also have the sense that life is all about the conduction of energy: the energy I conserve from worrying less about the small things can then power the bigger ones that matter. It is a worthy tradeoff, seen from this lens, but goodness —
If you want more Magpie, you can subscribe to my Magpie Email Digest for a weekly roundup of top essays, musings, conversations, and finds. Subscribers will be getting a surprise holiday treat in their inboxes next week.
Shopping Break.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links below, I may receive compensation.
+I’ve been shopping for a new, bold-colored hat/glove set to pair with my ivory wool topcoat. I think I might go with this cashmere beanie and matching gloves but can’t decide if I like it in the hot pink or unusual chartreuse better. (J. Crew also has a good ribbed cashmere hat and glove set 50% off right now — I like the cardinal red or heather pink options.)
+Ordered my children thermals to layer under their snow bibs (<<exact pants we have) for skiing and skating (and other snow adventures) this winter.
+Would also love to style my topcoat with this Gucci wool scarf…I think this would be so chic worn over your shoulders with a simple knit sweater.
+Sitting here compiling a big order at Boden for soft, patterned dresses (also this and this and a few of these pointelle tees — all 40% off with code E3N) for my girl. She was in desperate need of more weekend clothes. (While there, don’t miss their cozy fair isle options for you!)
+Gucci’s velvet Marmont collection is SO delicious.
+I always order a few rolls of Santa-themed gift wrap JUST to wrap the gifts from Santa in, and this was a great Cyber Monday deal at Amazon.
+These “bonjour” bowls are so charming! I like the idea of using to stow jewelry / keys / paper clips / etc.
+Dorsey just did its final re-stock of the year. Shared all my favorites for holidays here, but didn’t mention these beautiful earrings, an emerald-studded twist on the Margauxs I’ve been wearing all season long. Gorgeous pop of holiday green.
+Can’t stop thinking about this beautiful Zimmermann dress.
The following post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links below, I may receive compensation.
I am sitting here, alone, for the first time in what feels like two weeks? I am reminded of this note from Greta Garbo, dated October 28, 1964:
Ha! Can you imagine texting that to someone? And yet, as an introvert, I can feel that way from time to time. I operate like an electric vehicle: just park me on a side street for a few minutes, out of the way, cloistered from traffic, and I will re-emerge full charged and ready to hit the road.
If you are a fellow introvert,* how do you navigate particularly dense social seasons?
A few obvious tactics I’ve been leaning into:
+Solo, AirPod-less dog walks. I have been finding it helpful to walk Tilly without music, without my phone, without anything but my own thoughts. Even ten minutes in the brisk air, with no one’s company but my dog’s, helps me re-set the table.
+Reaching for the Kindle instead of my phone. The past week, I resisting the siren call of my cell phone first thing in the morning and instead reach for my Kindle. I have been reading short stretches of 5-15 minutes before getting out of bed and before falling asleep at night. It’s amazing how much more peaceful and quiet I feel when I start and close my day with a book versus crowded in by the (digitized) voices of others.
+Asking to run quick errands by myself. This is a kindness on Mr. Magpie’s end, but when I really need a break, I’ll volunteer to run to drop the dog at the groomer’s, grab what we need from the grocery, pop out for coffee, etc. Sometimes 20 minutes alone in my car is enough.
+Carving out time for exercise. A Magpie reader wrote earlier this week “if you don’t have five minutes for meditation, you need an hour to meditate.” The sentiment was enough to jostle me back into a sluggish running routine. Running is a kind of therapy.
How else do you find time and space to recharge your batteries?
*Do we believe in the distinction between introverts and extroverts anymore anyway? I have a hunch this delineation will fall out of favor in the near future. I consider Mr. Magpie a classic “extrovert” — seems energized by other people, very conversational, and thrives in the limelight — and yet he is also capable of long stretches of solo time. He’s always chalked this up to being an only child, but we also have a sense that maybe we’re all extroverted and introverted, just in different ratios and contexts. I prefer a lot of alone time, but I think that’s partly conditioned by my childhood and the family values with which I was raised. My parents like alone time, and they modeled and demanded this of us, too. We spent significant time on our own, in our own spaces. Sometimes this felt necessary because there were five of us and we could drive one another wild. It could be hard to get a word in edge-wise. But it also felt like something my parents structured into our home lives. An hour of quiet time each weekend afternoon; encouraged solo reading in various nooks around the house; prompted outdoor play, where we would often proactively wander around the backyard on our own reconnoiters. I spent a lot of time in a boxwood hedge spying on neighbors, taking down notes in my marbled notebook, pretending I was Harriet the Spy. What do we think about extroversion/introversion? And also – do you feel fully yourself when in the company of others or when by yourself?
Also this week…
+Landon made my favorite comfort food of all time: “Bucatini a l’Amatriciana.” We watched our first “holiday movie”: “Die Hard.” I deeply enjoy that movie. I didn’t understand the hyper around Bruce Willis until I watched it, and thought: “Oh, I get it now.” I love a reluctant, grumbling hero!
+I made three cookies for Thanksgiving dessert. Normally I make bourbon-sorghum pie (recipe here) but one of our guests generously offered to take on that dessert. Instead, I used Jesse Szewczyk’s Cookies cookbook to make cardamom palmiers, millionaire shortbread (basically a homemade snickers bar!), and apple cider cookies (that tasted like apple cider donuts! I will be making those again). I can’t recommend that cookie book enough — I’ve had great luck with it. I will say the palmiers recipe could use some clearer instruction; palmiers are quite easy in the sense that they require virtually no ingredients (and no mixing, blending, etc — you use storebought puff pastry!), but it’s all about technique, and I don’t think Szewczyk goes into adequate detail on this. I ended up watching a bunch of YouTube videos to learn how to fold the puff pastry properly, and I still had trouble (see below). I also found it was essential to freeze the pastry once folded for about 20 minutes so that it was easier to slice without squishing the delicate cookies, but Szewczyk doesn’t mention this. Anyhow, it is such a dramatic presentation! I will be making those again. You can make savory ones, too — fun appetizer idea. (P.S. My favorite baking gear here.)
+My sister (down from Brooklyn for Thanksgiving at our house!) asked me what I was using on my skin, and said she has been looking for products that boost glow. My top recs to her were Vitamin C (I love Goop’s formula, but it’s currently waitlist only, and also love Biossance’s vitamin c + rose oil*) followed by a ton of hydration. I’ve recently been using this deeply hydrating serum followed by Augustinus Bader’s The Rich Cream (currently 25% off and I can’t believe not yet sold out). I actually had a back stock bottle of the serum and gave it to her to try. I really love gifting my girlfriends, sisters, mom beauty products that they might not splurge on otherwise. It feels like such an indulgence!
*Biossance is 30% off sitewide at the moment! Code automatically added to cart. This jumbo sized hydrating cream is a particularly good deal — already discounted to $60 (orig $78) and only $42 once added to cart.
+Speaking of Black Friday deals, currently shopping online while wearing this cashmere Kilte set (currently 30% off). My children are ensconced in their room for one hour of quiet time (copy-catting my parents) after a busy 24 hours with family. As I typed this, though, my daughter came into my room and asked “wow, I like your outfit. Is it pjs?” Ha! PJs approved for company.
+Which brings us to the other major activity this week: a lot of sale shopping. What did you get? Any great Black Friday deals? I’ve shared most of my best buys and finds here, but a couple of other late-announcement promotions:
Tracksmith is running an uber-rare sale, with an extra 20% off using code HARVEST20. I never see this brand on sale! I used the promotion to buy my sister one of these merino cold weather running tops I love. They really insulate but are delightfully breathable. These are the only running leggings I wear when it’s under 40 degrees outside. Note that I find the bottoms from here run really slim/skinny — I size up. The tops run more TTS for me. If you have a loved one who is a runner, trust me — they will be obsessed with anything you buy from here.
Hanni is 25% off sitewide. I’ve been RAVING about these “lazy girl” skincare/shower products. This hydration set is my top rec and currently on sale for $50 (add to cart to see promo). And this little hair clip + splash salve set is only $36 in cart!
Rifle Paper is offering 35% off sitewide (discounts shown), which is (I believe) better than it’s been in year’s past? I feel like it’s usally 30% off. Items are selling quickly! I always use this promotion to stock up on gift wrap — they have my favorite patterns. I ordered a few rolls of gift wrap: this, this, this, and this — and how cute are these Nutcracker ornaments? (P.S. All my favorite gift wrap finds here.)
I ordered my kids these “ski” sweatshirts for their first time on the slopes! I also really wanted to buy my girl one of these Dudley Stephens fleeces while 40% off but have gotten into the (safer) habit of checking with her to see if it’s something she’ll actually wear first, and she declined. Sad! Great deal – 40% off! I’ve seen so many of her little girlfriends wearing them to school.
All of these fantastic Goop products are 20% off with code cyber20. (If you spend over $500, it’s 30% off with code cyber30.). The collection includes my fav microderm scrub, which is one of my top gift recs for women we love. Each will ring in at around $100 with promo. Alternately, treat yourself to this excellent hair scrub. I use this a few times a month — more in the summer.
Julia Amory’s website is 35% off sitewide (excluding new arrivals, discount applied in cart). These shirtdresses were one of the most popular Black Friday steals I shared this week. They’re around $100 when added to cart!
If you want more Magpie, you can subscribe to my Magpie Email Digest for a weekly roundup of top essays, musings, conversations, and finds. Subscribers will be getting a surprise holiday treat in their inboxes next week.
By: Jen Shoop
The following post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links below, I may receive compensation.
My Latest Snags.
A big shopping week for us all! My favorite buys were this Julia Amory caftan (I’d been eyeing all last summer, and it’s now on sale plus an extra 35% off when added to cart — can’t wait to wear it on a warm weather getaway we have planned for January) and the holiday outfits I bought for my children from Little English (this was my order — use code BLACKFRIDAY for 40% off) and La Coqueta (this, this, and this — all 25% off).
P.S. All my top Black Friday / Cyber Monday finds here.
“We would nap and sweat through the deep heat, our limbs loose as rags, and walk once more down the elm-tented street for a dip, holding hands which had held our bodies together better than our bones.” – William Gass
In my notebooks, I collect sticky passages and words as tactile as talismans. They sit like dream traps on the page: my eyes will skitter across them and I fall into another world. The Gass sentence says more about intimacy and that reviere-like, peak-summer heat than ten pages could. I have been thinking of the phrase “hands which had held our bodies together better than our bones” a lot. The way the people we love might “not be doing a thing that [we can] see, except standing there leaning on the balcony railing, holding the universe together.” (J.D. Salinger.) How sometimes the touch of someone’s hand can be a lifeline. (Have you ever been on the verge of tears, and someone touches your shoulder, and the shocking gentleness and goodness of it sends you over the edge? Again, I say, it’s never the cream…!)
What does the passage feel like to you? Do you have any other excerpts that you return to over and over again, even if you’re not quite sure why?
P.S. I occasionally revisit the comments on my posts on footholds and the literary fragments we carry with us for inspiration.
Post-Scripts.
+Obsessing over this satin mini in the merlot color. SO GOOD with some velvet heels!
+Also obsessing over these satin trousers from La Ligne. The color! The silhouette! Oo la la! (You can get $25 off your order with code MAGPIE25.)
+These Target knit pants and matching top are so chic! They look like Spanx or something? Someone told me that they are even better IRL.
+GapKids has some really cute holiday pajama prints at great prices! Love this one for your mini.
+This silk Lunya face mask would make for a luxe gift or upgrade. Do you sleep with a sleep mask regularly? Am I missing out on something?! By the time you read this, I will have been in possession of my new weighted NodPod eye mask for a few days. Cannot wait to report back. Unclear on whether I’ll be able to sleep with it on since I’m more of a side sleeper…!
P.S. If you want more Magpie, you can subscribe to my Magpie Email Digest for a weekly roundup of top essays, musings, conversations, and finds. Subscribers will be getting a surprise holiday treat in their inboxes next week.
By: Jen Shoop
The following post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links below, I may receive compensation.
NO 6 CLOG BOOTS (STILL MY FAVORITE, ALL THE YEARS LATER, FOR COLD/INCLEMENT WEATHER…GO A SIZE UP; ON SUPER SALE IN LIMITED SIZES HERE) // MADEWELL PERFECT VINTAGE FIT JEANS (GO DOWN ONE SIZE; 40% OFF) // TALBOTS QUILTED JACKET (OLD, SIMILAR HERE)
If you want more Magpie, you can subscribe to my Magpie Email Digest for a weekly roundup of top essays, musings, conversations, and finds. Subscribers will be getting a surprise holiday treat in their inboxes next week.
By: Jen Shoop
We compiled all Magpie recipes into beautiful cards for your kitchen! Get the recipe card collection in your inbox here.
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Last Friday, we had two couples over for a Martini Night. A few of our guests had never had a martini before, and it felt like the perfect opportunity to enter the holiday season with bells on. We served a martini flight:
+Classic gin martini, served Mr. Magpie’s way;
+Manhattan;
+Espresso martini.
I’ll share our recipes for each martini below. Our guests skipped or asked for “mini martinis”/half-pours for certain “courses” depending on their taste preferences. I had suggested guests arrive after a full dinner, but we did serve substantive snacks:
+Trader Joe’s Pastry Pups (I brushed the tops with egg wash and sprinkle with Everything Bagel seasoning) served with a few of our favorite mustards (love to the Magpie who introduced me to Lusty Monk’s variety!);
+Cheese board with a few types of cheese and crackers, including the piece de resistance: a triple cream cheese I found at The Organic Butcher in Bethesda (they have an excellent cheese selection focusing on local creameries!) served with the seasonal “Stollen” crackers from Trader Joes, seen below. I also had rosemary marcona almonds and hot honey on the plate.
+Truffle potato chips (found at TJ’s, but I also like the Torres brand);
+Some toffee (also bought at TJ’s — perfect with the espresso martini).
I normally avoid TJs like the plague, as I hate the shopping experience and the parking lots are invariably a disaster (yap yap yap, champagne problems), but it is a great spot for novelty/seasonal snacks for an occasion such as this, especially as I was short on time and was not able to make more involved appetizers from scratch. I joked with my friends that I “Sandra-Lee’d” the snacks.
For a festive and fun ambiance, I had our Ginger Biscuit candle from Jo Malone going (I normally don’t like candles that smell like baked goods, but this has a rich spiciness to it that I love) and put on this upbeat mix, which catered to my guests’s tastes (more contemporary music party vibes, less Frank Sinatra vibes — though I feel like you could go either way with martinis). It needs a good shuffle. After it played out, we put on the Olivia Rodrigo album from start to finish. One of my guy friends was belting out all of her teen girl angst songs (we both loved “I Want Him Back”) and it was amazing. A reminder to “read the room” when hosting, especially when it comes to music — I’d had a sense that my Tony Bennett playlist would be too sleepy for the occasion, and I was right.
Anyhow, below, sharing recipes for our martini flight. I feel I should add that my best friend is a big fan of the martini, and we call them “Martoonskis.” We were sharing a hotel room for the girls’ weekend in Atlanta and she turned to me while we were getting ready and said: “Martoonskis?” We then had espresso martinis brought up to the room (the ultimate indulgence), and it was SO FUN. Feel free to appropriate our phrasing 🙂
Mr. Magpie’s Martini.
2.5 oz Tanqueray London Dry Gin*, placed in the freezer the day before
3/4 oz dry vermouth (preferably Nouilly Prat — put in freezer maybe 45m before serving, but not longer, as this will freeze)
dash orange bitters
Garnish: 1 lemon twist.
Place martini glasses (these are the exact ones we have) and stirring glass in freezer early in the day.
Stir all ingredients in stirring glass over ice, then strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
*If you are a gin lover, you probably have your favorite brand. I personally love Hendrick’s Gin. However, most traditional martini recipes call for Tanqueray, Beefeater, or Plymouth gins for the most traditional flavor, so that’s what we served our guests.
**There are many variations on the classic martini: different spirits, olives/olive juice, etc, etc. Mr. Magpie’s version is crisp and bracing, with a kiss of citrus brightness. It is absolutely necessary that all ingredients, including glasses, are very cold, and that ingredients are not approximated. You can double batch these to make two martinis at once.
***I’ve mentioned this so many times, but this angled jigger is the best way to measure cocktail ingredients. You can see how much you’re pouring from a bird’s eye view — helpful when measuring lots of small portions. I have a long post on how to make great cocktails at home, with lots of gear included, here. I also saved most of the gear in this section of my Amazon shop.
Place coupes or martini glasses in freezer ahead of time. If serving in coupes, we use these (currently on sale! these are among my most prized possessions).
1 oz brewed espresso, chilled (we bought this in advance from Grace Street Coffee since we don’t have an espresso maker)
3/4 oz Benedictine
1/2 oz coffee liqueur*
Garnish: 3 espresso beans (we use coffee beans since we don’t ever buy espresso beans for home)
Place coupes or martini glasses in freezer ahead of time.
Add rum, espresso, Benedtictine, and liqueuer to your smaller shaking tin, then fill with ice. Place larger shaking tin on top, then flip. Shake mixture vigorously for 13 seconds. Double-strain cocktail (e.g., use this and also strain through this when pouring into glass) into your coupe or martini glass. Garnish with three espresso beans. They will float and look so pretty on top!
*We make ATK’s coffee liqueur from scratch but you can also buy this from the store. ATK’s recipe: Place 1/2 cup coffee beans, 1.5 tsp cacao nibs, 1/4 vanilla bean (halved length-wise), 8 oz vodka, and 4 oz brandy in pint-size glass jar. Cover tightly and shake to combine. Store jar in cool, dark place for 1 week, shaking mixture once every other day. Set fine-mesh strainer in medium bowl and line with triple layer of cheesecloth. Strain vodka mixture through prepared strainer; discard solids. Return infused vodka mixture to clean jar and add 4 oz simple syrup. Cover and gently shake to combine. (Can be stored in cool, dark place for up to 1 year. Shake gently before using.)
Shopping Break.
+I am not kidding when I say this Urban Decay eye palette is my absolute favorite. I should show you a picture of what it looks like — I am basically scraping at the very bottom of each eye palette because I use it so frequently. The best everyday matte basics, and they last longer than you’d expected powder to last. I just re-ordered this palette while it’s 50% off (an Amazon Black Friday deal — my entire list here).
+Quince let me know they’d be launching some Black Friday deals here today. I’m not sure what will be included ahead of time, but I have a calendar reminder to check! Believe that this cotton fisherman sweater will be included, and it’s one of my favorites! I own in navy and the quality is amazing. Size up!
+If you have been angling to try the Augustinus Bader rich cream (which I am currently using and loving — but the price tag will make it an unlikely re-purchase), I found it for 25% off here.
+This satin mini from J. Crew is SUCH a great buy. Pair with flocked/patterned tights and velvet platforms. Also obsessed with this lurex turtleneck, which just arrived.
+Chanel vibes!! Like the idea of pairing these with black jeans and a fun little top.
+My top picks from Shopbop here (25% off tons of these hearted items) and Amazon here, and all my favorite deals/buys so far this week here. Trying to keep my best finds in those places.
+Still obsessing over all things metallic. This turtleneck from Sezane is a 10.
P.S. If you want more Magpie, you can subscribe to my Magpie Email Digest for a weekly roundup of top essays, musings, conversations, and finds. Subscribers will be getting a surprise holiday treat in their inboxes next week.
P.P.S. More of my favorite recipes (for cocktails and more) here.
P.P.P.S. What is your current hyper-fixation meal?
Earlier this week, I shared my account of a sour experience with a fellow grocery shopper, and I was deeply touched by the outpouring of solidarity and grace that came my way via email, direct message, and comment. Clearly, the incident of casual stranger rudeness was neither isolated nor unusual, and so many of you had profound and encouraging perspectives to share on navigating these unpleasantries. One of my favorite responses came from Deborah:
“The woman in the parking lot no doubt has her own (crazy) story. And the mashed potatoes will be wonderful—with heavy cream or half and half or milk or even a vegan substitute. Just breathe.
I am probably your mother’s age and awaiting the arrival of my own (lovely) daughter and her family and just realized I am missing key ingredients for the tamales. (Side dish/long story/I’m in California). After a brief collapse into bed and tears I thought of Instacart (not used since the height of Covid). And as my husband said—it doesn’t matter. Anything is going to be fine. And in fact anything will be perfect. It’s not about the cream. It’s about love.”
What I loved about this reply was its trade-up of my phrase “it’s not about the cream.” In my musing, I’d written that phrase to suggest that it’s often the superficial, stupid thing that leads me to burst into tears, not the root issue. Many years ago, I suffered a miscarriage (I still cannot write directly about this — one day, maybe), and on our way out of the hospital, Mr. Magpie accidentally stepped on my foot. I absolutely lost it. I remember Mr. Magpie had to more or less prop me up in the parking lot. It wasn’t the stepping on the toe. It was the enormous iceberg of grief beneath. Anyhow, the same goes for the Whole Foods incident, and my accidental grabbing of the half-and-half instead of the cream. When Mr. Magpie pointed out that I’d gotten the wrong thing, tears streamed down my face — but it wasn’t the cream. It was the casual cruelty of a stranger. This Magpie, though, took that phrase and bent it in the other direction. It’s not the cream, or the stranger in the parking lot, or the Thanksgiving dish we messed up. It’s none of that. Or, let’s not let it be any of that. Let’s think about the bigger picture, and all we have to be happy for, and let the rest fall by the wayside.
This ties in perfectly with my observation, in the “It’s never the cream” post, that: “we publish the good news.” It’s up to us find and advertise the good stuff. To write the headlines that connect us to one another.
And that’s exactly what we did, together, this past week. We turned an unpleasant interaction into a beautiful cascade of exchanges in which women offered one another grace and support. And that’s what we do constantly here. This is the Magpie ethos, the well from which you enable me to draw. When I respond to your lovely notes, I often add: “I am so grateful for your readership. I do not take it lightly, and I am deeply flattered that you invite me into your days.” Let me add to those sentiments of gratitude by saying:
Thank you for publishing the good news with me.
Grateful for you, Magpies. Now, off to ruin a Thanksgiving dish and publish the good news while I’m doing it!
Post-Scripts.
+If you’re reading this Thanksgiving morning, just a reminder that I put together jazzy Thanksgiving playlists on Spotify and Apple, and have my favorite Thanksgiving prayer here. I also have a special holiday email going out to email subscribers next Friday, and in it, I include a holiday playlist. Sharing today (Apple, Spotify) in case you, like me, start listening to holiday music on Thanksgiving! Why does it spark such joy imagining us listening to the same songs?
+If you are alone or working on Thanksgiving, I see you! One way to feel less alone: introduce yourself by answering some of these fun icebreakers (more here) and enjoy getting to know the cast of characters that is the Magpie community by reading through the fabulous responses.
If you want more Magpie, you can subscribe to my Magpie Email Digest for a weekly roundup of top essays, musings, conversations, and finds.
Shopping Break.
The following content may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links below, I may receive compensation.
+Shared lots of great early Black Friday shopping here, here, and here.
+Yesterday, Julia Amory released a 35% off sitewide promotion (no code required, discount applied in cart). New arrivals are excluded, but the sale IS included, so I finally got my hands on one of her coatue caftans! I’d been eyeing all last summer. I got this one in the fun chartreuse color for our trip to Mexico in January — its $155 with the extra 35% off! Some patterns of her classic shirtdresses (so comfortable and chic!) are only $104 with extra discount. And her Majorelle caftan was one of my most-worn dresses in the hottest months last summer — so lightweight and body-skimming.
+Leset just launched a 30% off sitewide promotion — this means you can get all the tees I keep raving about at a discount, including the LS version of the pointelle tee in either black or white, the Kelly tee, and more. This is my favorite brand for elevated tees. I do think they run a tad small. If in question, size up. I take an XS in everything but it does run fitted (especially the Kelly).
+One Black Friday promotion I did not yet cover is Veronica Beard’s — an extra 25% off sale prices with code THANKS25. This means the denim blazer I’ve been wearing all season long is now about 50% off. Outerwear and blazers are VB’s bread and butter — they excel at them, and they are beautifully made and tailored — and this tweed blazer (on sale plus extra 25% off) will be a forever piece. Finally, this black gown will be your go-to black tie dress for the rest of your life. SO FLATTERING and elegant. You can see me in my gold version of the dress here. With the extra 25% off, it’s $315, which feels like a great price for a forever dress.
+I’ve been updating my Amazon Black Friday deals section. I noticed that a bunch of HP printers are discounted. Unfortunately, this does not include the HP Tango X printer that several of you raved about a few weeks ago — I agree with your (collective) assessment that it is the most attractive printer I’ve ever laid eyes on and I wouldn’t mind having it out? But ome of the HP printers that are included in the BF deals are also pretty attractive — like this one. Also, this scented dish soap is divine. I haven’t tried Caldrea’s other scents, but they have a bunch of counter sprays included in the promotion that sound lovely.
+The 12 days of Christmas clutch! SWOON! This is the kind of piece you wear every year and your kids and grandkids associate you with it forever.
+Do not ask me why or how, but Westman Atelier foundation drops / sticks are on sale for 30% off here. Never seen them discounted like this.
+A lot of the items in my gift guides for men, women, and children are discounted this week. I’ve not yet really started holiday gift shopping. Hoping to sit down tomorrow and knock some of it out. I have ideas on what I want to get everyone (sorry for those friends/family members who read my blog and therefore have guesses as to what I’ll be buying…)
+Have been wanting a set of these candles for my tree for years now. Think I might buy this weekend.
+My children love having seasonal, special jammies, and they have quite the lineup this year: these Petite Plumes (20% off), these Lakes (25% off — for mini), these Gaps (for micro — currently $10?!), and these Little English nutcrackers (40% off with BLACKFRIDAY).
By: Jen Shoop
The following content may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links below, I may receive compensation.
The two sales I was most excited to shop this week were Little English (40% off with code BLACKFRIDAY — you may need to be an email subscriber to access) and La Coqueta (25% off select items). I’d stowed a bundle of holiday clothing for my children from both stores in my carts and waited for the sales to materialize. I was so determined to get everything on my list at Little English, I actually set my alarm and check out promptly at 10! It looks like there’s still good stock of most stuff, though. I was focused on this sale because my children had selected their own Nutcracker outfits (we go in two weeks) from L.E. and are very excited to wear them. I am ecstatic about this because my daughter has grown increasingly picky about clothing, and I was thrilled to see her excitement over an outfit she chose and that I absolutely adore: this sweater with this skirt. My son was excited about this sweater. And, of course, we needed the Nutcracker pajamas (for mini and micro) for the full effect. My exact order here, and thoughts on why The Nutcracker tradition means so much to me here.
At La Coqueta, I bought my daughter’s Christmas dress (I again solicited her opinion, and she chose this one of her own volition — I would have preferred this tartan or velvet but I’m just happy she was drawn to one of the gorgeous designs) and my son’s tartan Christmas shirt. I think I’ll buy him some green cords to go with it, but have time to score that element. I also bought my daughter one of their iconic Arrieta dress coats. Mini chose the green color.
Thrilled that I’ve crossed several holiday occasion outfits off the shopping list!
My other top buys / promotions of the week:
+UBeauty is offering 20% off sitewide, plus free shipping, with code JENSHOOP. Ladies! Please try the lip plasma! My favorite color is Rose — gorgeous, natural, my-lips-but-better color. I can’t stop yapping about it. Love it so much, I’ve gifted to two girlfriends! Even their lip plasma gift set is included, and this was one of my top recs for a holiday gift for a woman you love. It has a $120 value, is regularly priced at $78, and you can get it for under $60 with free shipping! Also a good time to treat yourself to their Super Hydrator, which I am LOVING. I wear the lightest shade.
+The Petite Plume sale is still going on (20% off with code BLACKFRIDAY and I know many of you already bought the exact “holiday journey” print (seen above) that the brand sent my children. I will be coordinating with them on Christmas morning with these white/red trim jammies. I also love their traditional tartan nightgowns / jammies — this little romper is the cutest gift for a new baby.
+Alice Walk is 20% off sitewide with code BF2023. I am writing this while wearing this cotton weekender sweater. I can’t stop myself from reaching for it — it is so warm and soft and I love the neckline. I can wear over my de rigueur turtlenecks (under $20 right now) and pointelle tees (25% off)! I also absolutely lovethis half-zip. So soft and has a nice long length to cover the rear. My Dad bought my mom some of their sweatshirts for Christmas a year or two ago (directed by yours truly) because she goes for walks every morning but rarely splurges on athletic wear / athleisure. It was such a thoughtful upgrade!
+My Amazon Black Friday buys: this weighted eye mask (several Magpies have written in since I shared this yesterday to say they could not live without it — would be a good White Elephant gift while discounted) and this Schleich set for my son. Sharing all my top Black Friday finds here. If you are a parent with a young child, I cannot urge you to buy the Tonies Box more while it’s 30% off. This is staple/core enjoyment in our home, and I love to surprise them with new Tonies figures on holidays, as stocking stuffers, on random rainy days.
+THE pointelle tee from Leset deserves its own bullet point (25% off with code BLACKFRIDAY). I wear these constantly…! I’ve received a bunch of questions about sizing. I do think this brand runs a tad snug/slim. I would size up if you’re in question. I took my true size (XS) and it does fit but if you’re at all concerned, go a size up! All my top picks from Shopbop’s Black Friday promo here, and my favorite finds for men from the Shopbop promotion here.
+The Doen sale (discount automatically applied)! I can’t believe my beloved Amina blouse is included. You’ve seen me wear it countless “What I Loved Wearing” posts over this season! It appears to have sold out in my burgundy but the black patterned one is fab and easy to pair as well — plus, even less expensive than the red (under $100). I just noticed that this pointelle turtleneck (what is it with me and pointelle?) is on sale for $83…tempted…
P.S. Dorsey is not running any sales/promotions this year, but all my top picks for holiday jewelry and gifts here.
P.P.P.S. Just a reminder that my Thanksgiving prayer is here in case you want to print it (you can also find it on Instagram here). It always brings a tear to my eye.
If you want more Magpie, you can subscribe to my Magpie Email Digest for a weekly roundup of top essays, musings, conversations, and finds.
A Magpie reader wrote me a lovely note earlier this week letting me know that she and her best friend often talk about my musing on “the years that ask and the years that answer.” (Which one is 2023 shaping up to be for you?) I paused for a minute and realized that ever since we moved from New York City to Bethesda, MD, I’ve been living amidst a string of years that answer, and answer, and answer. Life feels solid and comfortable in a way it never did in New York and Chicago before it. I think this is partly the ages of our children, partly the sensation of buying a home vs renting (honestly, more precisely, the sensation of not having to move in the imminent future), partly the fact that we are through our baby years and no longer have that “will we have another?” question asterisking our “dream talks,” partly our stability in our respective careers, and partly the fact that we are back in our hometown after a wild adventure flying the coop. We had to ask a lot of questions, and then handle a lot of fallout from their answers, to land here. My 20s and 30s felt like one long call; I am finally listening to the response. Anyhow, today, I want to say that if you feel you are wandering, and you are coming up on a decade of years that have relentlessly asked, there will be an answering year. You will look back and see the once-immaterial breadcrumb trail that brought you to a place of rest, and you will also see that the experience was not only worth it but wakening.
Below, I’m republishing some thoughts on the long trail for my fellow wool gatherers from an essay I wrote a year and a half ago for a gal who once interned for me.
*****
It is OK to take the long road,
to earn the title “wool-gatherer,”
to be the handwritten cursive subscript under the 12-point Times New Roman font,
to move beneath, rather than with or against, the grain,
with meanderings so under-the-radar that they are dismissed as insignificant.
It is OK to take the squiggly path,
that draws you from arranging name tags on the reception table at the Phillips Collection
to stammering through academic papers in ancient towns in Italy
to gliding through rehearsed presentations to large audiences
to starting and shuttering a business
to writing for a living —
just an example.
It is OK to feel that you have been searching for something you can’t quite put your arms around,
each phase a phantom hug —
but know that the footprints that brought you here
+More on that ill-fated academic paper in an ancient town in Italy.
+The moment I realized how little my peers thought of my choice to pursue English.
+Do you see a difference between the way those of us who studied the humanities and those of us who studied STEM approach the world?
If you want more Magpie, you can subscribe to my Magpie Email Digest for a weekly roundup of top essays, musings, conversations, and finds.
Shopping Break.
The following content may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links below, I may receive compensation.
+Mesh and tulle have been such a trend this season (mesh shoes, mesh-detailed dresses, mesh tops — Doen’s holiday collection had so much tulle, too!), and I just ordered this inexpensive mesh turtleneck ($22!) to pair with holiday looks. Thinking of wearing it with this tartan skirt and some great heels to a festive holiday tea.
+If you are looking for a dressy top for a formal skirt and don’t love the mesh vibe, this one is it. Could even be styled for black tie wear.
+An adorable way to deliver treats to neighbors/friends this holiday season. I bought something similar to hand out pecan bars last year. Note the dimensions/size — these are petite!
+Just placed a big order at Gap with some random buys, taking advantage of some seriously good Black Friday discounts there — my daughter loves “fuzzy socks” so I got her these as an Advent calendar surprise (and these for my boy, who will obviously want to follow (sock) suit! he wants everything she has!), some holiday shoes for my girl (she wanted this pair from La Coqueta, which felt spendy even with discount, so glad I found these!), skating gloves and hat for my girl, and these $10 Santa jammies for my son.
+This under-$100 tartan lady jacket is SO good. With jeans and little velvet furlanes?
+Love these vintage inspired holiday bells for a garland/mantel!
+I’ve been looking for a few more items for my son’s bedroom refresh (see items I already have here), and I thought this little book caddy was adorable.
+Our favorite shampoo is 20% off with code GIVING20. A reader just wrote last week: “I purchased the Roz hair care set when you first posted that someone recommended it to you. Has been life changing for me! Can’t recommend enough.” I totally agree with her! My fav shampoo — super similar to Oribe, but less expensive (especially with the promo) and with a better lather.
The following content may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links below, I may receive compensation.
Today, sharing a roundup of great gifts for children as we head into the holiday season. This is targeted towards children between the ages of 3-10. We always try to give our children gifts across a few categories: something artistic/musical, something STEM, something sporty, and then something that is purely for fun. (Plus a bundle of books!). On the STEM side, this Botley robot was a huge hit with my daughter over the course of this past year. It’s a clever way to teach children the basics of programming — they must correctly sequence a set of commands for the robot to do certain things. She is always so proud of herself! On the sports side, my children have been loving these pop-up hockey/soccer nets. They’re great because they collapse flat — convenient if you are short on space, or hoping to bring with you to a park/play area. We will also be taking our children skiing for the first time this winter, and though we’ll be renting gear, if your little one is a snowbunny, a set of skis would be a great gift. On the artsy side, my children would love this monster making kit, this comic book set, or this paint box. And in the “just for fun” category, how beyond fabulous is this AG doll trunk?! My daughter currently has all of her AG clothes and accessories in little overflowing bins beneath her bed. I can’t tell if it’s my inner nine year old talking, but I’m obsessed with the trunk. I would have died over this! (I always really wanted Samantha’s brass bed…) I also freaked out over this limited edition Barbie remote control car! She has been playing with her Barbies a lot more all of the sudden, and we already have the house squared away…
I must put a spotlight on the Tonies Box, which is a Black Friday deal (30% off) right now! I cannot tell you how much my children love these. My daughter listens to hers every single night while falling asleep, and my son loves to play Legos and Magna-tiles in his room while listening to his. They are incredible, screen-free entertainment. My children especially love the sing-a-long ones.
One item we will 100% be buying is a digital camera for my son. He’s been consistently asking for one all year long so he can “take pictures of nature.” This one is so adorable! He also loves his Schleich sets and I think I am going to add this little winter set to his collection.
Finally, one of my favorite online children’s boutiques, Danrie, has an incredibly well-curated gift assortment this year. I love the Banwood skateboard and Dinkum Dogs set! They have a tiered Black Friday promo running — 15% off $100; 20% off $250; 25% off $400.
P.P.P.S. I organized many of these children’s gifts into this section of my Amazon shop. Amazon is running a few early Black Friday deals and I saw that iPad minis are 20% off. iPads are of course incredible for travel/sick days…!
If you want more Magpie, you can subscribe to my Magpie Email Digest for a weekly roundup of top essays, musings, conversations, and finds.
