Jen Shoop, Author at Magpie by Jen Shoop

By: Jen Shoop

What tools are critical to your trade? I’m so curious — the more niche, the better. As an example, I have friends who could not live without their calculators or Excel formulas. These seem unremarkable to them, but they would be inorganic and ill-fitting in my own workspace.

My top tools for a productive work week:

iMAC. The enormous hi-res desktop display and processing power are essential for putting together collages and spending my days staring at text.

PLANNER. This is how I stay on top of my writing objectives. I don’t know how I’d function without it. I organize tasks by day, creating ticklists against each calendar day in this notebook.

MY LIBRARY. I am forever pulling out books to find quotes, to re-read passages, to reflect on my own annotations. I am a better writer when I read.

WORDPRESS. I publish my blog using WordPress, an open-sourced content management system. I love their text editor — I’ve written elsewhere that writing in this medium invites (for me) play and easy journaling. I’ve used other word processors in the past but they can occasionally strangle or startle my creativity.

NOTEBOOKS. I am always jotting down quotes, lists, edits, essay prompts. When I taught writing to college students, I called this general category of effort “pre-writing.” It doesn’t need to look pretty or polished. Thoughts can tumble out sideways, inside-out, caboose-first. For a long time, I “pre-wrote” on plain computer paper — something about the total lack of constraints (absent even of lines/grids!) helped me unblock and express myself fluidly. I’ve since graduated to notebooks that spark joy, like these ones from Appointed.

BOUQUET OF PENS. I need a ton of fresh, inky pens in an assortment of colors at the ready. These are more a visual cue than anything else: they invite me to doodle, to put pen to paper. They are a call to action.

PIXELMATOR PRO. I actually wouldn’t recommend this tool to any fellow creative — just use PhotoShop! — but I started using this image editor maybe six years ago because it was cheaper and less daunting than Adobe’s suite and now every time I contemplate switching, I’m intimidated by the learning curve.

APPLE MUSIC. We aren’t a Spotify family (!) — I think we might be the only humans left on earth who don’t use Spotify? — but I love Apple’s infinity play function. I’ll start with a playlist of mine (ahem) and it will spiral out into other, similar songs afterward, which is a fun way to discover new music. I also love to listen to the various collections (Essentials, Deep Cuts, etc) for Taylor Swift, Haim, Brandi Carlile, Kacey Musgraves, Lakestreet Drive, John Mayer, Chopin, Beethoven while working.

PINTEREST. I still absolutely love Pinterest — it helps me visually plan out themed posts. I am a pinning fiend; I will pin shopping finds all week long to various private boards and then review them for inspiration.

TAKEYA WATER BOTTLE. When I’m dialed in on work, I will sit at my desk, refusing to break for hours on end. Keeping a full water bottle close at hand ensures I stay hydrated. I love the ones from Takeya.

MINI BOX CUTTERS. I receive a lot of packages and these make quick work of boxes. I don’t know why I used scissors for so long. These are infinitely better.

LL BEAN BOAT AND TOTES. These are handy when I’m organizing items to spotlight/photograph, arranging shipping/returns, testing beauty products, etc. They help keep everything organized and in one place.

LASKO SPACE HEATER. Unglamorous, but I am always cold — even when the heat is on! — and this small space heater makes my mornings much brighter.

MAGSAFE CHARGER. I don’t own this exact brand, but I basically need to keep my phone plugged in all day long or I drain it.

What about you? Top few must-haves for a product work day?

Post-Scripts.

+On creative spaces and habits.

+The loft born of experience (ahem, failure).

+Office finds.

Shopping Break.

+Has anyone tried UBeauty’s products? I’ve been hearing good things and want to try this hydrating cream.

+Love the subtle sheen of this turtleneck.

+This dress is nothing short of spectacular.

+A perfect desk sweater.

+These $12 bow earrings are so fun.

+This quilted tote is in my cart — so chic/practical for winter schlepping!

+My dream statement sweater for the new year. Also love this much-less-expensive marled knit style — just into colorful pieces ATM!

+Speaking of colorful: these under-$50 mules in a fab chartreuse hue.

+OO these pants from Zara are GOOD!

+Chic waterproof shearling-lined lug sole boots.

+Such a clever idea: stretch lid covers that work with any bowl to create an airtight seal.

+Love these sham covers.

+Mockneck sweater in the prettiest pastel hue.

+Pretty pastel highlighters.

By: Jen Shoop

I was 38 years old (aka, this happened today) when it occurred to me that the lyric from “Joy to the World” that goes “let every heart / prepare him room” means “let every heart make space for Jesus” and not, as I have long reflexively imagined without any reflection, “clean up a room in your home for Him.” I have known the words to that song since I was a first-grader in the Annunciation School Christmas Pageant, when my classmate Tina’s hair caught on fire in the vestibule, and that lyric has always conjured the image of my mother turning down the bed linens in the guest room of her home, or sweeping up the floor of the kitchen in anticipation of visitors. It’s not altogether the wrong image, though, is it? The idea of taking a minute to tidy ourselves up for the coming of an important guest? Of whitewashing the house? Of turndown service for an anticipated visitor?

Whether you are religious or not, it is a beautiful image: preparing ourselves for what is good.

Merry Christmas, Magpies.

Wishing you peace and flow and kinder seas.

Post-Scripts.

In case you aren’t celebrating, or (as mentioned yesterday) are in search of diversion born of loneliness or work commitments, I have a fun little roundup of favorite shopping finds at a couple of my favorite boutiques.

P.S. Do you have your NYE outfit sorted?

P.P.S. “You’ll know when you find it.”

P.P.P.S. Loved the comments on this post.

By: Jen Shoop

*Image via.

My Latest Snag: Cashmere Scarf Collar Sweater.

I bought myself this cashmere scarf collar sweater while on sale and cannot wait for it to arrive. The scarf collar detail reminded me of a few pieces I’ve been lusting after from Toteme, like this puffer and this wool coat that’s been all over the place this season. I’m also drooling over this funky wool scarf/cape hybrid, which would look so fab over a slim-fit sweater or turtleneck tucked into high-waisted trousers.

This Week’s Most Popular: Winter and Holiday Finds.

1. PERSONALIZED AND CUSTOMIZABLE HARDCOVER RUNNING JOURNAL TO HELP TRACK AND PLAN WORKOUTS

2. AN UPDATED, CASUAL TAKE ON THE 1979 NIKE MARATHON SNEAKER WITH THE ICONIC SWOOSH IN A BLACK AND WHITE COLORWAY FOR VERSATILE WEAR

3. CREAMY BEIGE TONED LOUNGEWEAR SET WITH RAGLAN SWEATSHIRT AND RELAXED-FIT PANTS WITH DRAWSTRING WAIST

4. MIDI-LENGTH WOOL AND COTTON BLEND SUPER SOFT KNIT PENCIL SKIRT IN OATMEAL WITH A RIBBED WAISTBAND

5. CUSTOM-MADE HAND-STAMPED MINIMALIST SIGNET RING IN EITHER GOLD OR SILVER

6. EXTRA WARM WATERPROOF PUFFER JACKET IN A MONOCHROME PINK TARTAN PATTERN

7. BUTTON-FRONT BLACK CREPE LONG-SLEEVE TOP WITH BLAZER-ESQUE LAPELS AND DRAMATIC FEATHERED CUFFS (IN MY CLOSET!)

8. MEN’S BURNISHED LEATHER DURABLE LACE-UP ANKLE BOOTS WITH CONTRAST STITCHING AND REINFORCED TOE

9. SLIM TRAVEL-FRIENDLY LED LIGHT MIRROR WITH MAGNIFICATION AND BLUETOOTH…THIS PIECE IS ON SALE!

10. BUTTON-UP OATMEAL TEDDY LINER VEST WITH LARGE FRONT PATCH POCKETS…SUCH A VERSATILE PIECE FOR LAYERING

11. MONTHLY AND WEEKLY TAB ORGANIZED 14-MONTH 2023 SPIRAL-BOUND PLANNER

12. HOURGLASS-SHAPED WOOL AND CASHMERE BLEND CARDIGAN WITH A SUBTLE BELL SLEEVE AND RIB-KNIT ACCENTS

13. COTTON-BLEND COZY KNIT MOCK NECK SWEATER IN A MULTICOLOR FESTIVE FAIR ISLE PATTERN…HARD TO RESIST THIS WINTER CLOSET STAPLE FOR LESS THAN $20

14. RECTANGULAR NATURAL WOVEN SERVING TRAY WITH HANDLES WITH A RUSTIC ARTISANAL LOOK TO SUBTLY ENHANCE YOUR DECOR

15. SOLID BRASS PASTA CUTTER WITH HAND-CARVED BEECH HARDWOOD HANDLE

16. OVERSIZED STRUCTURED FLEECE TOTE BAG WITH CONTRASTING SIDE PANELS AND STRAPS — A PERFECT CHIC EVERYDAY PURSE

Weekend Musings: Those Winter Sundays.

I always wonder what to write about on high holidays, since I assume that my Magpies are preoccupied with festivities and family. However, at some point during the depths of the pandemic, one Magpie wrote to say how much she appreciated that I posted right through the holidays, as she was stuck at work and desperate for diversion, and it felt like the rest of the world had gone dark. I think about that note all the time, and I think about the way many people have “kept the light on” for me, too, often without knowing it.

For years, Mr. Magpie and I have talked about putting candles in our windows during the holiday season. I’ve always loved the inviting look and can’t help but point them out when we’re driving around town during the month of December. Close to a decade ago, Mr. Magpie ordered a set that never appeared — they were back-ordered, and we gave up. The next year, I picked up a set from Michael’s that were complete (excuse my French) crap and I ended up returning them after they teetered and toppled in the window sills for an afternoon. Then we were moving, then we lived in NYC and candles in apartment windows didn’t have the same appeal, and last year we were just-moved again. This year, Mr. Magpie bought a proper, well-made set from a garden supply store. He put them up one afternoon while I was out running errands, and when I drove down the street, I audibly gasped. They sparked such joy — not only because they are emblematic of so much of the good in the holiday season (the vision of waiting in the dark, the motif of warmth in home and hearth) but because my husband had known how excited I would be and had scurried around the house to get them set up for a grand reveal in time for my homecoming.

Mr. Magpie always leaves the light on for me. But that’s an obvious relationship to point to. There are also many friends and neighbors and family members who do the same, in small but meaningful ways. I am thinking specifically of friends who reassure me that something I’m navigating as a mom is neither weird nor worrisome. When my daughter had lice, I trepidatiously called one of the mothers in my daughter’s class to let her know, and I was frankly worried she might give me some kind of “ew, yuck” treatment. Instead, she said: “Oh, God bless her. I’m so sorry to hear that. How’s she feeling?” If she was panicking inwardly at the possibility that my daughter had given hers lice, you wouldn’t ever have known. She steamrolled right over any negativity and offered nothing but love and empathy. That is leaving the light on, too.

Challenging myself these next few days to leave the light on for the people in my life. One small and obvious way is to continue to post here for anyone who needs the distraction — whether because holidays are hard, work is calling, or these aren’t the holidays you celebrate.

Onward!

Shopping Break.

+Loving this Toteme-esque sweater (under $125!) in the perfect neutral hue.

+I just discovered this really cute sneaker brand for children called Origo. I like that they have a Veja vibe but are a bit different. You can get 10% off with code MAGPIE.

+Love this lace top from Gap! Such a chic color of blue!

+We’re actually going OUT for NYE (we usually stay in, make an elaborate seafood plateau for two, and watch old movies), but we’re hosting a few friends with children the night before NYE, and I just added a few fun, festive finds to my cart: these disco ball picks, these headbands for the kids.

+Thinking about swapping out Tilly’s leash for this handsome Barbour one. I also want to mention that we love the Orvis dog beds for Tilly — they make them for even really big dogs (Tilly is 65 lbs, for reference) and they come in really handsome fabrics/patterns.

+I just ordered this handwash to try — have heard the exfoliating aspect is really amazing!

+Love the fit and wash of these Levis.

+Pin this Gucci pin onto an old tee/turtleneck/knit and feel like a million bucks!

+Adorable return address labels.

+I saw this Emilia Wickstead dress and swooned. It is unfortunately/dangerously on sale and in my size…!!!! Do I need this for Easter Sunday?!?

+Well this knit skirt/sweater set are CHIC.

+Gap has some really cute, simple puffer jackets for little ones in great color combos. Love this red with the blue hood for a little boy.

+Wait, this terry cloth headband is clever — you use it to push your hair back while washing your face.

+Love this bow dress. (More bow pieces here.)

+Three fabulous black tie ready dresses for winter weddings: this Saloni, this ASTR (under $130!), and this Rebecca Valence.

+Now this is a glass slipper.

By: Jen Shoop

We compiled all Magpie recipes into beautiful cards for your kitchen! Get the recipe card collection in your inbox here.

*Image via James May.

A couple of sleek and functional finds for the new year — many of which we own or have researched enough to want (desperately).

01. BLACK COLANDER

02. OXO FOOD SCALE — WE USE THIS ALL.THE.TIME — THE PULL-OUT DISPLAY IS BRILLIANT AND COMES IN HANDY WHEN YOU’RE WEIGHING SOMETHING BIGGER THAN THE DIMENSION OF THE SCALE SURFACE

03. LAGUIOLE STEAK KNIVES — TRUST ME, YOU NEED STEAK KNIVES IF YOU EAT ANY MEAT IN YOUR HOUSE…WE USE OURS MULTIPLE TIMES A WEEK

04. UNIVERSAL KNIFE BLOCK HOLDER — THOUGHT THIS WAS A CHIC SOLUTION FOR SMALL SPACES IF YOU HAVE A RANGE OF DIFFERENT KNIFE BRANDS/TYPES

05. BENRINER MANDOLIN — SUPPOSEDLY THE BEST. WE’VE HAD ONE FOR OVER A DECADE AND IT’S SHOWING SIGNS OF AGE (DULLNESS) SO WE DID SOME RECON TO SEE IF THERE WAS ANYTHING BETTER OUT THERE. THERE ISN’T! JUST BUY A KEVLAR GLOVE TO PROTECT YOUR HAND!

06. HOMWE MITTS — THESE ARE THE ABSOLUTE BEST EVER. I USED TO GO THROUGH A PAIR OF WILLIAMS-SONOMA EVERY YEAR OR TWO BECAUSE THE ENDS WOULD GET BURNT OR THREADBARE. THESE HAVE LASTED AT LEAST FIVE YEARS (MAYBE LONGER?) AND I LOVE THE SILICONE TIP FOR EXTRA HEAT PROTECTION

07. TWO-STEP LADDER — CHIC ENOUGH TO LEAVE OUT

08. ROSLE TONGS — OUR PARTY TRICK. YOU OPEN BY POINTING THE TONGS UPWARD AND LOCK WHEN TONGS ARE FACING THE GROUND…GREAT FOR ONE-HANDED USE, BUT ALSO A FUN MAGIC TRICK

09. UTOPIA DISH TOWELS — I’VE TRIED ‘EM ALL AND THESE ARE MY FOREVER FAVORITE…INEXPENSIVE, HYBER-ABSORBENT, UNFUSSY, AND YOU DON’T CARE WHEN YOU HAVE TO TOSS THE STAINED ONES

10. EMILE HENRY SPOON REST

11. GLASS STORAGE JARS WITH LIDS — PERFECT FOR THINGS LIKE SQUEEZED JUICES, MISE EN PLACE, CUT FRUIT, OVERNIGHT OATS, ETC

12. SCANDI-CHIC TEAPOT

13. ANOVA VAC SEALER — MR. MAGPIE’S FAVORITE TOY ATM…A MUST FOR SOUS-VIDE LOVERS BUT ALSO INCREDIBLE FOR FOOD STORAGE…YOU CAN FIT SO MUCH MORE IN YOUR FREEZER, AND FOOD DOESN’T GET FREEZER BURNED!

14. KUHN RIKON PEELER — WE’VE USED THIS BRAND’S PEELERS FOR AGES…THE BEST (SMALL) HANDFEEL, AND ULTRA-SHARP

15. FELLOW ELECTRIC KETTLE — MR. MAGPIE AND I ARE SECRETLY HOPING OUR ELECTRIC KETTLE DIES SOON SO WE CAN UPGRADE TO THIS BEAUTY, WHICH ALSO RECEIVES RAVE REVIEWS FOR PERFORMANCE

16. STAINLESS STEEL FOOTED BOWL — TECHNICALLY A CHAMPAGNE BOWL (HOW FAB?!) BUT COULD USE AS A CENTERPIECE IN KITCHEN WITH FRUIT!

17. ROSLE BASTING SPOON — WE HAVE A BUNCH OF THEIR STAINLESS STEEL IMPLEMENTS AND THEY ARE SO RIDICULOUSLY STURDY/HEAVY…LIKE, HAND-DOWN-ABLE! PLUS, LOVE THE SLEEK DESIGN

18. EMILE HENRY OIL CRUET — SO CHIC

19. KUHN RIKON SPIDER SKIMMER — ONE OF OUR MOST-USED IMPLEMENTS IN THE KITCHEN…A MUST FOR FRYING OR SCOOPING SMALL BATCHES OF PASTA OUT OF BOILING WATER, BUT ALSO DOUBLES AS TINY STRAINER

P.S. More kitchen must-haves.

P.P.S. Inspired by French kitchens.

P.P.P.S. A great party dish.

By: Jen Shoop

A friend of mine recently posited an interesting observation: that people often work through childhood issues by way of their chosen professions. She shared that her father always started projects around the house but never finished them, and that her home felt like a construction site. She is now training to be an architect (and has worked in the home construction / design world for many years already) and commented that “fixing people’s homes is soothing to me.” Connecting the dots is not difficult. Just earlier that day, another friend had talked about the long-time acrimony in her family related to differing political views. She is a YA novelist and it occurred to me that her first novel is a Romeo and Juliet story in which the two families are divided by politics, and love in the end conquers all. Again, not challenging to follow the breadcrumbs.

I recognize that not all of us have as much agency in selecting our own careers. And sometimes, a job is just a job. And that’s fine! I still tire of the prevalent message that our careers must fulfill us in some profound way. I have some friends who are pursuing careers fueled by passion, and I have others who are satisfied with a job that puts a roof over their heads and does not extend beyond 5 PM. I admire both. I think sometimes ambient culture forgets that there is a lot to be said for an impermeable wall between work life and home life.

Still, I find my friend’s theory intriguing. I spent some time reflecting on my own chosen vocation from this lens. I observed that my twin interests in writing and entrepreneurship were shaped (nurtured!) by early patrons I have written about many times over. Were it not for my mother, grandfather, uncles, and a few teachers urging me to submit my work to competitions, to “keep writing…!”, and to take writing classes, I don’t think I would be here. Those “early wins” spurred me on, normalized and substantiated what would be dismissed as “wool gathering” later in my life. But I was pot-committed by then. Decriers could not deter me thanks to an early foundation in respecting the craft.

I also remember well a conversation with my Dad (an attorney) in his wood workshop behind my childhood home when I was maybe eight. He worked long hours at a high stakes job and once traveled 50 weeks of the year. He would retreat on the weekends to that workshop where he would happily work with his hands, building bookshelves, repairing things. I recall standing in the door frame, watching him, and he told me: “Build something. You don’t build anything with law.” I internalized that command. I have always been drawn to working in small, entrepreneurial settings where I can see — quantify — the output of a single day of labor.

Perhaps, then, in some way, I am living out the wishes and values of my parents. Which tracks, you know? Eldest daughter and all. At 38, I can’t bear the thought of disappointing my parents.

I can’t say I much mind, of course. I am deeply fortunate for this perch. I love what I do.

But I also observe that my work life is informed by elements beyond my parents. I am a worrier by nature, and I find writing soothing in that it “fixes” and “locks in” the wild and unknowable. It staunches loss. It stops time. It runs against those forces that fray and obscure. Writing, for me, is an act of preservation. I wrote elsewhere that “When I write about the past, and particularly those beloved deceased who belong to it, I am able for a moment to unstrap myself from the present. I find things lost. Sometimes these unearthings are only shadow and dust: there are details, for example, of my friend Elizabeth that have atrophied to the point of disintegration. I mourn those degradations intensely. I wish I had written them down when the grief was keener and the memory sharper. It is, I realize, a mad task, to believe that I might somehow resurrect her in her entirety through language. But it can sometimes feel that way, when I am sitting at my screen, and she appears on the page wearing my own words.”

Writing is, in other words, a roborant.

What about you? What might your chosen career say about you and forces from your childhood?

Post-Scripts.

+On the English discipline.

+On encouragement from my grandfather.

+On pursuing a career in the humanities versus the sciences.

Shopping Break.

+Recently heard that Lumify eye drops are a major beauty secret — I just ordered myself. (Maybe sort of similar to having really bright white teeth?)

+Contemplating making another knitwear investment this season, possibly with something from the small, female-founded business Kilte — I love this funky rainbow colored one and this classic cashmere blend one in ivory.

+OK, these embellished slingbacks are fab — and under $100.

+Love this sherpa “lady jacket.”

+Chic quilted mittens at a great price.

+THIS GAP SWEATER has entered the chat. Wow!

+Are you warm-weather bound? Pack a cute woven tote like this or this…!

+Fun little mushroom necklace.

+These hot pink velvet pants are now under $80.

+I think I need this Dudley Stephens in the black. Been wearing so much black this season!

+LV vibes for $12.

+Totally obsessed with this metallic jumper dress. Love how they styled it, too!

+Into this cheerful striped button down.

+Have you heard of beauty brand DIBS? I’m intrigued by this award-winning dual-sided blush/bronzer stick.

+Found some moon boots for girls on sale!

By: Jen Shoop

*Image by Claire Harvey. I’m wearing several pieces by Jane Win, including their Amazonite forget-me-not pendant, joy coin pendant, and petite heart pendant, generously gifted.

The past few years, I’ve collected some beautiful pieces of everyday jewelry that I layer daily in new combinations. Not all of these are insanely expensive, either — I think my number one-asked question on Instagram is the source of this delicate “mama” necklace, which is only $38.

Today, sharing some beautiful pieces for gorgeous everyday pieces.

01. AURELIA DEMARK HEART PENDANT NECKLACE

02. ASHA HEART CHARM NECKLACE

03. HERMES H HEURE WATCH

04. ASHA ANGELINA STUDS

05. VAN CLEEF AND ARPELS ALHAMBRA STUDS

06. MIGNONETTE STUD EARRINGS

07. FEWER FINER DIAMOND CUFF BRACELET

08. GOLD PLATED HOOPS

09. STONE AND STRAND MAGIC MUSHROOM NECKLACE

10. CAMPBELL AND CHARLOTTE MINI JUJU NECKLACES

11. HART HAGERTY MAMA AND INITIAL NECKLACE

12. CLAUS JEWELRY WILDFLOWER SIGNET RING

13. DAINTY HUGGIE EARRINGS

14. GLDN X LAYERED AND LONG DELICATE RING

15. FEWER FINER “WEDDING SONG” ENGRAVED PENDANT

16. MAIVESHOP MAMA AND MINI NECKLACES

17. JANE WIN HOPE COIN PENDANT

18. AKOYA PEARL STUDS

19. DANA REBECCA BEZEL BRACELET

20. DANA REBECCA FLOWER STUDS

21. OAK AND LUNA INITIAL MEDALLION NECKLACE

22. JANE WIN PETITE HEART PENDANT NECKLACE

23. LIZZIE SCHECK ZODIAC NECKLACE

24. TIFFANY PALOMA PEARL STUDS

25. CARTIER TANK WATCH

26. DANA REBECCA DIAMOND INITIAL CHARM

27. GLDN X LAYERED AND LONG PERSONALIZED STACKING RINGS

28. CZ STUDS — SURPRISINGLY REALISTIC

Finally, a couple of chic and functional jewelry storage options —

P.S. Inspired by: Sambas and other sneaks.

P.P.S. Love statement tights this season.

P.P.P.S. A makeshift pyre.

By: Jen Shoop

I love the icebreaker series we have going among Magpies (read the hilarious and illuminating answers to a recent round of This or That here) and today I thought I’d do something a bit different by prompting you to share your favorite items across really random, niche categories. This might be a fun virtual “white elephant” type experience with lots of great stocking stuffers / small ways to spark joy in the comments.

Share your favorite…

WRITING IMPLEMENT.

COOKING IMPLEMENT.

COFFEE MUG.

LIP BALM.

SOCKS.

UNDERWEAR.

UNDER-THE-RADAR SNACK.

CONDIMENT.

DRINKING GLASS.

EVERYDAY BOTTLE OF WINE.

MUSIC TO WORK TO.

HAIR TIES.

*****

I’ll go first!

WRITING IMPLEMENT. Tru-Red 0.5mm retractible gel pens.

COOKING IMPLEMENT. This is hard. Three things I use daily: Shun paring knife, Epicurean mini cutting board, and the Wustof fish spatula (useful for anything — not just fish — because the edge has a slight groove/angle that helps get under just about anything, including chicken nuggets stuck to a baking sheet, grilled cheese, pancakes, etc).

COFFEE MUG. Intelligentsia. I read somewhere that bone china is the best material to drink coffee from as it does not hang onto lingering flavors/tastes. I love the retro, minimalist vibe.

LIP BALM. Billie super salve. Super-buttery, relatively cheap, and imparts a tiny hit of color. I keep in every purse.

SOCKS. Darn Toughs with micro-cushion. Absurdly warm and comfortable.

UNDERWEAR. Basic, but Hanky Panky. So comfortable, no lines. Been wearing daily for decades. I never pay full price and usually get good deals on them here.

UNDER-THE-RADAR SNACK. Eataly sold little individually-wrapped hunks of really high-quality parmesan cheese that I used to LOVE at happy hour. So delicious with a glass of red wine. Otherwise, I love taralli — a cookie-like Italian cracker that you can usually find with flecks of fennel, red pepper, and other interesting flavors. Not under-the-radar, but secret indulgence: Cheez-Its.

CONDIMENT. Maille Rich Country Dijon mustard and Heinz malt vinegar. I often dip fries into malt vinegar instead of ketchup. (Spoken like a true Marylander. We love malt on blue crabs.)

DRINKING GLASS. CB2 Watson Cooler glasses. Love the design and it has a really nice hand-feel (heavy weight) but a super fine lip.

EVERYDAY BOTTLE OF WINE. Our house red is this French blend, which has been a best-seller at our wine shop forever (we still have our wine shipped down from NYC — we implicitly trust the curation of labels). Under $12 and absolutely delicious. Highly drinkable. Pairs well with a range of foods but easy to drink on its own.

MUSIC TO WORK TO. If I’m really writing, I must have complete silence. If I’m doing something mildly challenging, classical: I like Chopin’s etudes or the soundtrack to the Keira Knightley version of Pride and Prejudice. If I’m doing something mindless, I put on “channels” or “essentials” from Taylor Swift, Carly Rae Jepsen, Haim, Brandy Carlile, or Kacey Musgraves. I also get a hankering for Celine Dion’s “Falling Into You” album with embarrassing frequency — brings me back to my early teens! I loved that CD.

HAIR TIES. Actually prefer clips – can’t live without these. They’re strewn in every bag and drawer I touch. But when washing my face, I’m obsessed with these ones from Slip.

Your turn!

Post-Scripts.

+Admittedly boring things made better by great design.

+Are you a good negotiator?

+“Do you still hang your words in the air?”

Shopping Break.

+This leather-effect laptop case is absurdly chic for the price. Love the sophisticated colors.

+Into these wide-leg utility trousers. Great colors!

+Been seeing these fabulous mini dresses from new-to-me label Arianne Elmy all over the place. So chic!

+Drooling over this coat.

+We love a stripe.

+Such a fun dress for a little lady — perfect for a birthday party, or order now for NYE! Perfect with these glitter mary janes I bought for mini.

+ICYMI: these $16 eye sticks are amazing (so many Magpies wrote in to endorse, and I’m loving, too!)

+Cheerful bubble gum pink sweater at a great price.

+Trendy bag shape alert: long and boxy.

+Intrigued by this award-winning scalp and body scrub.

+Adorable personalized cards for your little man.

+These personalizable tea cups would be such a sweet party favor, or a great gift for a little love.

By: Jen Shoop

Snowy playtime and cold-weather getaways are almost here! I can’t believe we already had a two hour winter weather delay for school. I had purchased the children Gap duck boots but then realized they really aren’t proper snow boots (and wasn’t sure on quality) so instead found the cutest pairs from a Scandi brand called Kuling, all 40% off. They have some precious patterns (ahem!) but I bought solid colors, thinking that they’d be easier to match with coats we have (and possibly pass down from mini to micro). I bought micro these dusty green ones and mini these mid blue ones. The site charges $18 shipping to the US (gulp) but I justified because it is honestly difficult to find an attractive, well-made pair for under $50 a pop, and even with shipping, these are less. This might be the kind of thing that would be good to go in on a few girlfriends with. Buy like 10 pairs of boots and all split shipping. Anyhow, Kuling also has some really adorable snowsuits (cherries!!!) on sale, too. Check them out here.

Below, some other of my favorite winter sport and snow angel-friendly pieces for littles.

1. WINDPROOF AND WATERPROOF INSULATED EXTRA WARM NAVY MITTENS WITH REFLECTIVE ACCENTS JUST IN CASE

2. MULTICOLOR PLAYFUL COLORBLOCKED LONG THERMAL SOCKS MADE FROM A COMFORTABLE COTTON BLEND

3. BABY BLUE AND BROWN BASIC MITTENS WITH ELASTIC AND ADJUSTABLE VELCRO STRAPS TO KEEP THE SNOW OUT AND YOUR LITTLE ONES WARM

4. SUSTAINABLY MADE FRONT-ZIP SNOW OVERALLS IN A RED, PINK, AND BLUE COLOR-BLOCKED DESIGN — THESE HAVE SUPER HELPFUL REFLECTIVE TAPE AND ARE ON SALE FOR ONLY $50!

5. FLEECE LINED FULL ZIPPERED PUFFER SNOWSUIT WITH DETATCHABLE HOOD IN AN ADORABLE FOX PRINT

6. INSULATED LIGHTWEIGHT SNOWSUIT WITH ELASTIC CUFFS AND SECRET ZIP POCKETS IN PURPLE

7. COZY FAUX FUR SLIP-ON TEDDY BEAR SHOES WITH ADJUSTABLE ANKLE STRAP

8. TAN-COLORED COTTON BLEND SOFT FLEECE BABY HAT WITH ADORABLE LITTLE EARS

9. DURABLE ARMY GREEN WATERPROOF NYLON WINTER BOOTS WITH SHERPA CUFF AND RUBBER SOLE FOR EXTRA TRACTION

10. CHUNKY KNIT BABY CANADA GOOSE LOGO HAT WITH SOFT FLEECE LINING AND ADORABLE DOUBLE POM-POMS

11. PLAYFUL BRIGHT YELLOW-GREEN TALL ”MOON BOOTS” WITH EXAGGERATED LACES

12. UNISEX BUTTON-FRONT CREWNECK WHITE THERMAL UNDERWEAR WITH RIBBED CUFF — MADE IN A COTTON BLEND FOR ALL-DAY BREATHABILITY AND COMFORT

13. TO COORDINATE WITH YOUR FLEECE HAT, A MATCHING PAIR OF BABY FLEECE SWEATPANTS WITH FOLDED RIB-KNIT CUFFS

14. SKY BLUE ADJUSTABLE BIB SNOW PANTS WITH ZIPPERED POCKETS AND BOOT STRAPS TO KEEP EVERYTHING SECURE

15. NAVY WATERPROOF DUNGAREES WITH POCKETS…THE TWO-TONE SUSPENDER DETAIL IS ADORABLE

16. WOOL BLEND FAIR ISLE SKI PATTERNED LONG SOCKS WITH CORAL CONTRAST — THIS LIMITED EDITION SKI-THEMED DESIGN IS SO CUTE

17. VINTAGE-INSPIRED THICK SHERPA FLEECE MITTENS FROM L.L. BEAN IN INDIGO

18. CONVENIENT FULL ZIP HOOD-TO-TOE BABY ONESIE WITH CUTE FUZZY CUB EARS ON THE HOOD

19. PINK QUILTED LACE-UP SNOW BOOTS WITH SHERPA LINING FOR LITTLES TO STAY EXTRA COZY IN THE SNOW

P.S. Winter basics.

P.P.S. Jammies for the littles.

P.P.P.S. What’s in your house?

By: Jen Shoop

Do you have friends with whom you share your entire self?

Others with whom you focus on particular subjects?

I suspect both are true for most of us, and that these compartmentalizations reflect life-stage, the conditions under which we’ve met, and how long we’ve known one another.

But I have been startled —

As I approach my 40s, I have noticed that many of my newer friends are capable of talking about just about anything. Conversations with forty-year-olds seem to go straight to the pith. Perhaps this is maturity? Perhaps a quiet relinquishing of the window-dressing that does not matter? Or maybe I have gotten better at recognizing the kinds of women with whom I want to be surrounded: the sort who arrange themselves around the things that matter, who respond immediately to my teary, heart-swollen texts about my son going off to school for the first time with wisdom like: “You should let yourself feel all the feels. It just shows how much you love your role as a mom.”

I am thinking specifically of three or four friends I’ve made since moving back to the D.C. area a year and a half ago. I know so much about these women. We have gone deep, and fast, but it feels right. I know their heartaches, their angsts. I know the questions that weigh heavy on their hearts. I also know what makes them laugh, their fashion preferences, their thoughts on the most recent Taylor Swift album and the irritating installation of speed bumps on Little Falls Road.

How did those candors emerge so quickly?

Has anyone else found the same to be true with aging? That somehow there is an unspoken emphasis on “fewer, finer” relationships, and that the ones that catch alight quickly?

There is still, I think, space for all kinds of relationships. For sentimental ones based on shared histories; for coincidental ones (say, born of being neighbors or parents whose children attend the same school or program); for ones arranged around hobbies. But I have to say: I am liking the lets-go-there model that seems to be emerging as I move through my late 30s.

What about you? Do you find yourself playing different roles in different friend groups? Avoiding certain topics with some, and digging into them with others? Do you like the mix?

Post-Scripts.

+Narratives of friendship.

+On a failed female friendship.

+On missing my friend Elizabeth.

+There is a crack in everything.

Shopping Break.

+Adorable bow earrings, under $50.

+These adorable “hobby passports” from Letterfolk are 20% off with code BYE2022. These are such a great way to orient yourself around objectives for the new year, whether reading more books, hiking, cooking, etc! More gear for the new year here.

+Have heard Halfdays makes the best (and chicest!) performance ski gear that won’t set you back a few thousand dollars. (Ahem, Moncler.)

+This side table is 80% off — only $50. SO CUTE. The entire sale section is worth a gander — check out these chic bookends!

+If you work with your hands or wash your hands a lot (thinking of doctors, artists, teachers, etc), I just read about this product called Gloves in a Bottle that basically creates a shield-like layer on top of your skin to prevent dry, cracked skin. I feel like most men need this.

+I used superlative cards from Marrant Paper for a dinner party a few weeks ago that were SO fun. This cute NYC-based, female-founded brand, Dear Annabelle, has a clever fill-in-the-blank variation. I also love their themed notecard packs!

+These draped pants intrigue me. I’ve seen a lot of European street style starlets rocking this style.

+This pink puffer is so cheerful — and under $50!

+Well, these snow boots are epic.

+We have these Thibaut throw pillows in our living room. Designer pillows are such an easy way to update a living area! Also dig these.

+Loving this down pullover.

+OMG THIS SKIRT. Tuckernuck also has a really cute statement skirt out right now that I’ve been eyeing.

+Glitter boots — a big yes for me.

+Fun barrel-back dining chairs in great patterns.

By: Jen Shoop

*Image via.

Right now, I’m drawn to vibrant, near-neon colors for the new year. Talk about sparking joy! One way to bring in the new year with a BOLD energy.

01. BODEN TURTLENECK (LOOK FOR LESS WITH THIS)

02. FAIR ISLE CARDIGAN

03. BRENT NEALE MAGIC MUSHROOM NECKLACE

04. STAUD SWEATER DRESS

05. MISSONI BEANIE

06. VELVET ROBE BLAZER

07. VELVET TROUSERS

08. STAUD SWEATER

09. WIDE LEG DENIM

10. GUCCI BAG

11. KITTEN HEELS

12. HEADBAND

13. VELVET TROUSERS

14. OSTRICH FEATHER BROOCH

15. ULLA JOHNSON DRESS

16. FEATHER TRIM DRESS

17. SWEATER

18. STRIPE SCARF

19. ROOP BAG

20. RHODE PIA MINI DRESS

21. SAM EDELMAN KITTEN HEELS

22. WOOL BLAZER

23. COS BEANIE

24. FAIR ISLE SWEATER

P.S. Bed and bedding favorites.

P.P.S. If you’re more in the mood for black/white.

P.P.P.S. “I am a product of long corridors, empty sunlit rooms.”

By: Jen Shoop

*Image via.

The suburban streets were black and deserted save for the jingle of Tilly’s collar and my own footfall.

I was worried about — oh, the usual, and too much. I was particularly fixated on a pettiness: I’d had to wear my eyeglasses for a week owing to an eye ailment and I’d not updated my prescription in, perhaps, four or five years, and so the world appeared soft and squibbly around the edges. I found myself wiping at my lenses all day long, adjusting the frames on my nose, as if these modifications might reconcile my eyesight. I worried, too, that the prescribed eye drops weren’t working: my eyes were still bothering me, a week into treatment. I have been known to let such fretting spiral into the tenebrous.

Tilly and I made our way through the neighborhood dark, which —

was not-so-dark, in fact.

Candles dotted the windows, and string lights hugged the branches, and a tendril of Brenda Lee’s “Rockin Around the Christmas Tree” escaped my neighbor’s door as she retrieved a parcel from her doorstep. A treat from a friend, I imagined, or a gift just-arrived for her husband, soon to be placed under the tree? The mirage of these possibilities warmed me, as did the incandescence of my neighbors’ homes, and I felt myself alight from the inside out:

As Gregory Orr put it, “If we’re not supposed to dance / why all this music?”

Post-Scripts.

+A permutation of: let your heart be light.

+26 letters and 14 marks.

+Jarred, in a good way.

Shopping Break.

+Somehow this fair isle sweater is under $20?

+Would look great with these faux-leather brown pants. (Or this pair by hot label Mother, currently over 50% off.)

+Truly adore these patterned loafers. Get the vibe for less with this under-$100 pair.

+Tuckernuck has such a great sale section — I mean, epic! — and you can get an extra 20% off any item with code YOURULE. A few favorites:

THIS ULLA BLOUSE

THESE FLOWER EARRINGS

CHIC SNOW BOOTS

TEAK FLORAL DRESS

LITTLE LIFFNER TOTE IN DELICIOUS CHOCOLATE CROC

PERFECT WEDDING GUEST DRESS

SUEDE FURLANES

+This tunic sweater is such a great price and comes in two perfect colors.

+These earrings are fabulous and under $35.

+Just re-ordered this texturizing spray. I love both it and the Oribe counterpart, but Ouai is about half the price! I use this when I wear my hair in loose waves, which I achieve by letting my hair air dry and then curling with a 1″ hot tools iron (the best). The trick is alternating between curling sections toward your face and away from your face and NOT curling the ends all the way.

+I keep coming back to this long sweater. Missoni-esque.

+Fun statement slippers.

+This La Ligne cardigan is 40% off!

+These eye shadows are the absolute best. I got mine in the smitten/swoon color duo and I need to get all the other colors. It is such a great consistency and so easy to apply/blend. It makes your eyes look radiant!

+This pink mini is fun — love the bows!

+I’ve heard this exfoliator is truly worth the price…dying to try.

By: Jen Shoop

A couple of incredible finds for us…and to serve as last-minute gifts in case you’re panicking.