A few smaller businesses that have some great deals I just took advantage of —
01. RIFLE PAPER. 30% off with code MERRY. Just bought some more holiday gift wrap using this promotion. I bought this style and this style for Christmas, plus some birthday gift wrap for the future. I really appreciate that they sell rolls versus sheets. I find so many of the higher end brands of gift wrap with gorgeous designs sell in squares that are too small for a lot of the gifts I am wrapping! Note that many of Rifle’s gift wraps are more winter themed than explicitly Christmas, so most work for any (non-denominational) celebration.
02. PHEOBE AND JUNE. 20% off orders over $1 (appears in cart). I was delighted to discover this local Maryland illustrator and ordered four styles of her holiday tags: these village tags, these nutcrackers, these snow globes, and these Santas. They are already reasonably priced at $6 for 10 but I didn’t hate the extra discount! Kind of regretting I didn’t order double or triple of the Santas for all of Santa’s gifts!
03. LSWLONDON MINDFULNESS CARDS. 20% off orders over $32. I think these journaling prompts would be such a great gift for fellow introspectives, or these mindfulness ones for anyone on a wellness journey. They even have a set specifically for new moms! Also adore these cards for kids — a perfect stocking stuffer.
04. FRILLY FROG. 40% off and free shipping (discount applied automatically). Includes many great, high-end children’s brands — snag Kissy Kissy pajamas, Bailey Boys sweaters, Petit Bebe dresses, and more.
05. NANTUCKET KIDS. 40% off with code MERRY. This tartan dress is about as perfect as a holiday dress comes, and how sweet is this holiday bow play dress? If you’re a retriever fam, your boy needs this turtleneck. I often buy here to get the TBBC look but with slightly different (less common) patterns. I do see a lot of TBBC out and about so fun to have slightly different patterns! This brand runs a tiny bit small in my experience.
06. Less under-the-radar, but these Amazon deals really jumped off the page at me and I hadn’t seen them covered elsewhere…
VITAMIX — MY HUSBAND JUST TOLD ME LAST NIGHT HOW MUCH HE LOVES THIS…I SURPRISED HIM WITH IT TWO YEARS AGO AND IT’S JUST THE CADILLAC OF BLENDERS…CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT
07. LITTLE ENGLISH. Site is still up to 50% off, but now with free ship using code CYBERSHIP22, which removes that final shopping friction. I love their turtlenecks and overalls (the latter run pretty narrow – FYI), but you could also use the promo to knock out your holiday dressing for the littles.
08. APPOINTED. 30% off with code HOLIDAY. This task planner would be PERFECT for me if there was a tiny bit more space under each day (my daily lists are long and ultra fine-tipped) but could be a great pick for you. I’ve heard the best things about this brand! I also love this desk calendar — having one of these within my line of sight every day is such a big help. You just glance up and get your bearings when you’re on a call, scheduling something, etc. Finally, this card keeper is brilliant for stowing cards for every occasion (birthday, sympathy, encouragement, etc) and comes with six elegant, understated cards that would be handy to have. All of these items would be beautiful gifts for an organized mother, sister, friend.
P.S. I often get messages asking me to relink this post, which provides encouragement on the precipice of a big life change.
Getting gifts for siblings only gets harder as you get older! In hunting for gifts my own sister would enjoy this holiday season, I thought I would share some of the stylish, yet practical finds that are sure to be crowd-pleasers.
1. LULULEMON CARMEL FLEECE SHERPA ZIP-UP BELT BAG WITH ADJUSTABLE STRAP (LOOK FOR LESS)
2. COLORFUL WIRELESS MEAT THERMOMETER — THIS IS THE BEST AND COMES WELL-REVIEWED BY COUNTLESS REPUTABLE SOURCES. WE USE IT CONSTANTLY.
3. RETRO-INSPIRED HALF ZIP SWEATSHIRT WITH FLATTERING STYLE LINES AND RIBBED ACCENTS IN HEATHERED OATMEAL (25% OFF TODAY ONLY)
4. BREATHABLE SHEARLING WOOL IVORY CLOGS — 20% OFF…LOVE THAT THESE HAVE RUBBER SOLES SO YOU CAN SLIP OUTSIDE THE HOUSE IN THEM AS NEEDED
5. GORGEOUS ABD EL KADER HIGH-QUALITY CLASSIC CANDLE (15% OFF TODAY!) FROM TRUDON WITH NOTES OF SPEARMINT AND GINGER…THESE CANDLES ARE SUCH A LUXURY
6. COLORFUL ECLECTIC SET OF FIVE HANDMADE STACKING BRACELETS WITH PEARLS, BUBBLE BEADS, AND EVEN SEA GLASS — FUN WRIST STACK!
8. ADORABLE SET OF FOUR ITALIAN LINEN “DRINKS WELL WITH OTHERS” EMBROIDERED COCKTAIL NAPKINS
9. CAMEL-COLORED LONG SLEEVE FLEECE — TRUST ME, SHE’LL THANK YOU…40% OFF TODAY
10. SLIM COGNAC LEATHER CARDHOLDER WITH PINK RACING STRIPE AND FIVE COMPARTMENTS — I THINK THE CLEAN, BUT PLAYFUL DESIGN OF THIS PIECE IS SO TIMELESS, PLUS I ALMOST EXCLUSIVELY CARRY A CARD CASE!
11. OLIVE-TONED CLASSIC MINI SHEEPSKIN ANKLE BOOTS FROM UGG — THIS SHORTER HEIGHT IS SUCH A CHIC AND COZY PIECE FOR WINTER
12. MICROFIBER HAIR TOWEL TO PROTECT AND SPEED UP DRYING TIME FOR ALL HAIR TYPES
13. COLLARLESS SLIGHTLY CROPPED SHEARLING JACKET WITH TAN LEATHER TRIMS AND CLOSURES — TOTEME VIBES FOR AROUND $120
14. HANDHELD STEAMER AND IRON THAT GETS THE JOB DONE IN HALF THE TIME WITHOUT THE FUSS OF AN IRONING BOARD…PERFECT FOR CITY-DWELLER…ALSO, I REALLY WANT ONE
15. HANDMADE JUTE SMALL NAVY “CIAO” HANDBAG FROM THE JACKSONS — I OWN AND LOVE MINE
16. DARK RUBY AND BLACK BRISTLE AND NYLON LUXURIOUS HAIRBRUSH — THE ONLY BRUSH SHE’LL EVER NEED…THE CREME DE LA CREME
Today, a handful of “mini traditions” that make the season merry and bright in our home.
1 // DECORATING THE HOME. We usually do this the day we bring home our Christmas tree, but this year, the day after Thanksgiving, I put on Christmas music, pulled out most of our boxes of decor, and decked the halls. The children were abuzz and atwitter, excited about their reunions with Christmas books, their nativity set, and the mini trees I put in their bedrooms. This year, they laid on the floor of our living room paging through all of the books, and excitedly help me arrange our winter village on the console in the front hall. It really marked the start of the season for me. I’ll be sharing a dedicated post on favorite new holiday decor (I add a few new pieces to our collection each year), but wanted to specifically mention a few favorites today:
+This nativity peg doll set is almost identical to the one we have. I found mine at Target of all places four years ago. The children LOVE playing with these, and they are virtually indestructible. We keep ours on the coffee table and I love to see them reenacting the story of Christmas. It’s an easy way to reinforce the message of Christmas in a play-oriented way.
+For the trees in the children’s rooms: I’ve had good luck at Target over the past few years. Micro’s is similar to this style, and mini’s is similar to this flocked one. I let them decorate themselves with a few plush or homemade ornaments.
+I have two of these deer on the mantel of our dining room fireplace. They are bigger than you think — very dramatic and just so fun.
+These 8″ boxwood wreaths are perfect for hanging in windows/at the top of a mirror/over the back of a chair.
+We have stocking holders super similar to this inexpensive set. I love the way the deer line up along the mantel!
+We bought a little white winter village at Target during the pandemic (this exact set, but they used to make in white) but I really love the simple ceramic ones from Ballard. The Target ones are nice because little hands can play with them without shattering, but the battery on the lights has obviously long since burned out.
2 // LETTERS TO SANTA. We used a kit like this to write letters to Santa. (This one is also cute). I like to sit down with the children and talk to them about what they were good at this year, what they want to see under the tree, etc. Afterwards, we walk ceremoniously to the mailbox together. Our set had a prompt this year that read: “Next year I will be…” and mini said: “Nice!” and micro said: “A vampire!” Ha. I think he was mixing up Halloween with Christmas. I was touched this year when mini answered what she wanted for Christmas by writing: “Surprise me!” Then, however, she drew an arrow and on the back of the paper, wrote: “I really want an American Girl house.” A house?! AHHH. I guess we’re on the right path with some of the accessories/gear.
3 // HOLIDAY SENSORY PLAY. I’ve written about sensory play quite a bit, but I do love this holiday-themed idea: artificial snow, mini bottle brush trees, and arctic animals. The snow does get EVERYWHERE but it is easy to vacuum up, unlike beans/rice, which can be a total pain to tidy up after. If you’re new to sensory play, my biggest tip is doing it on a day where you feel relaxed/the mess won’t bother you as much, and put a big white sheet underneath their play space. It is messy but it’s also very worth it. I feel like it promotes independent, imaginative play, and it’s a great soothing/sensory experience for them, too. My children have always enjoyed when I put together these little sensory play vignettes, and get really excited about themed ones like this. I use these exact trays for sensory play. The perfect depth for holding things in but shallow enough that the kids can really get at the materials.
4 // WRAPPING GIFTS. I always enjoy selecting festive gift wrap over the course of November and early December and then sitting down for a few nights as the holiday approaches with a Christmas movie on and a cup of tea to tackle everything. I move the coffee table and wrap on the floor of our living room. This clever contraption is currently in my cart for this year’s gift wrapping. So much easier than scissors and much more compact than a paper cutter. How great is this gift wrap organizer, BTW? I own some of the ornament organizers from this brand and am tempted…
5 // CHRISTMAS CRAFTS. I love buying little sets like this, this, this, and this to pull out on Saturday or Sunday mornings.
6 // HOLIDAY JAMMIES. I mentioned this yesterday, but I roll out the children’s first pair of holiday pajamas on Thanksgiving night. I then like to give the children another pair or two over the course of Advent. I can’t wait to surprise mini with these nutcracker ones the night before we go to see the Nutcracker together for the first time! (Mine match hers. I’m excited to have my own pair of holiday jammies!). Lots of other holiday options here, at all pricepoints. I did also buy the children these Petite Plumes using the 20% off code BLACKFRIDAY22 — I had hoped I could find them even steeper elsewhere (they are carried lots of places) but couldn’t find any steeper discount. This year, I also bought the children fun new slippers: these for micro, these for mini.
7 // HOT CHOCOLATE. We always make hot chocolate and popcorn when it snows, but I also like to pick a day to surprise them with it in the days leading up to Christmas. These little melting hot chocolate snowmen are SO clever and fun. We received one as a gift last year and I repurchased for this year. Enamel mugs like these are great for little ones because they are unbreakable — these personalized ones are adorable.
8 // HOLIDAYBAKING. We always bake — a lot — around the holidays. A few of my favorite recipes here, but I think I might permanently add peanut brittle to the rotation and give it as gifts to the neighbors this year. I made peanut brittle for Thanksgiving a few days ago (details here) and it was SO good. I failed my first go around (let the caramel darken too much, which gave it a bitter taste), but made again and it was amazing. I find bark, toffee, and peanut brittle appealing to gift because you can wrap them up wonderfully in cello bags with big festive ribbons. Other treats require a lot more transit assistance. I have in the past had good luck finding really cute treat boxes at World Market and Container Store — consider this (look for less) and this, or just a classic white wrapped with red ribbon! P.S. My favorite baking gear here.
9 // EGG NOG. We love egg nog (!) and in the past have used the Serious Eats recipe. Yum. We’ll be serving egg nog at our planned Kacey Musgraves party, detailed next.
10 // KACEY MUSGRAVES CHRISTMAS. A few years ago, Kacey released a delightfully kitschy Christmas show on Amazon Prime (you can still stream it) and it made for the most festive evening viewing. We watched it with my sister and brother in law last year over wine and takeout dinner, and will be upping the ante this year by watching with more of my siblings while decked out in glittery Kacey-inspired fashion and enjoying “throwback” fare — egg nog, classic shrimp cocktail, pigs in a blanket, etc. Cannot wait!
11 // ADVENT CALENDAR. This is a BIG tradition with Mr. Magpie’s family, and we’ve carried it forward with our own. Each day leading up to Christmas, the children find a small gift tied to the calendar. A few Advent calendars I love: here, here, here, here. Mon Ami has a really sweet ballerina one (and Target has a similar style for $10!) that you could use and just tuck a little scroll into each day with instructions on where to find the gift around the house. We usually do this for larger items that won’t fit in the pockets. It creates such a sense of excitement and makes every day feel really special. We do not do “Elf on the Shelf” but I think children would experience a similar rush/thrill in waking each morning to the ritual.
12 // ADVENT WREATH. We light this nightly and sing “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.” One of my favorite memories of my son is the way he’d fling his arms out at the “Rejoice! Rejoice!” bit of the song as a lispy two year old. We use a simple gold wreath similar to this.
13. // PUZZLES. For some reason, we rarely pull out puzzles until this time of year. I loved the dog one I shared here so much that we did it TWICE over Thanksgiving, and I always love the ones from Pomegranate, which reproduce fine art in puzzle form. Those brands are very high-quality and more challenging than some of our other ones, but I really do have a nostalgic connection to the Christmas-themed ones we have, especially this one, which I bought during a COVID Christmas in NYC.
14. // THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS. One of my favorite childhood memories is my Dad reading “The Night Before Christmas” to us on Christmas Eve. I’ve written about that book and that memory in years past, and for some reason it has always captured my interest and imagination. I have been asking my Dad to read this book to my children. They’ve been a bit squirmy (too young, too excited) the past few years but I think mini will enjoy it this year.
What about you? What mini holiday traditions do you love?
P.S. Under $30 gifts, and great gifts for girls and boys.
P.P.S. My favorite holiday decor finds this season.
P.P.P.S. Do you nurture connections with previous versions of yourself?
By: Jen Shoop
Ah! I’ve come across a few late-weekend deals that had to be shared, a few of which I took advantage of myself…
01. EMBELLISHED CARDIGAN. 50% off plus an extra 10% off. I think this is the hidden holiday gem of a discount at J. Crew. Such a great deal and layer over everything for instant festive flare.
02. NINA BLANC TARTAN DRESS. $25 off with code THANKFUL. (A tiered promotion so discount increases as you spend more — can get up to $100 off!). This is in the top contention for my Christmas day dress!
03. HAZEN & CO SILHOUETTE CHARM. Have it engraved with your baby’s name, or gift to a new grandmother with baby’s initials! So sweet. Hazen & Co is currently running a tiered promotion — you’d get $20 this charm (if engraved) with code F&F100, and up to $250 off depending on spend.
04. STATEBAGS KANE KIDS BACKPACK. 25% off AND free embroidery with code BF2022. Buy ahead for next year’s back to school rush. These backpacks are pricey but so well-made and come in the best colors. Would also be great for travel with littles in the coming months.
05. STATEBAGS RUBBERIZED TOTE. 25% off with code BF2022. I just discovered these totes and they’d be brilliant for summer or outings with children. Waterproof and chic chic chic.
06. CELESTIAL HEADBAND. 50% off plus extra 10% off. A no-brainer for NYE.
08. PARAVEL PACKING CUBES. $52 instead of $65 and get an extra 15% off with code DAPPER.
09. STATEBAGS ROLLING SUITCASE. 25% off plus free embroidery with code BF2022. Suitcases rarely go on sale at this discount – such a great bargain for a chic piece to travel with.
10. ELEMIS ROSE CLEANSING BALM. 35% off. The most luxurious way to melt the day away. Smells like heaven and leaves skin gleamingly clean and soft. I loved this so much I gave to my mother!
11. SAVE THE DUCK PLAID PUFFER. 25% off. What a CHIC statement. Trust me – you won’t regret a statement coat. I know it seems like you should play it safe here and find something in black or navy but a dramatic topper like this ALWAYS sparks joy and makes a statement and starts a conversation. I never play it safe with outerwear. Bonus: you can always find your coat in the pile/on the rack.
12. SAVE THE DUCK MIXED MEDIA PUFFER. 33% off. This gives me Moncler vibes and the contrast of textures is divine and luxe. If you’re in the market for outerwear but want something more traditional, note that Nordstrom is currently offering 33% off Barbour!
13. MOLTON BROWN HAND WASH AND BODY WASH. 25% off and free ship. This is my favorite brand for both — the most elegant scents! We almost exclusively buy them in our home. The Rhubarb and Rose is a classic and I’ve never met a soul who didn’t love the scent, and Mr. Mapgie loves their Black Pepper body wash.
14. AYR FRENCH FRY TEE. $40 (usually $78). My review of these excellent-fitting striped tees here.
And, in case you’re wondering what’s been trending the past few days amongst other Magpie shoppers: the top eight most popular items this weekend.
08. LAKE SHORT-SHORT SET. My favorite style they make. I own in several colors/patterns. 25% off and the blues rarely (if ever?) have gone on sale in the paset.
PETIDOUX PAJAMAS. It’s become a tradition for me to give the children holiday pajamas to change into after Thanksgiving dinner. This year, I put my children in Petidoux — skiiers for my son and skaters for my daughter. These might be a good pick if you’re looking for something less Christmas-y, more wintry (or could work for Hanukkah). Petidoux makes the highest-pedigree pajamas for littles: silky-soft pima cotton with incredibly detailed patterns. I had the opportunity to speak to Alexandra, one of the brand’s founders, and she said she started the line because she loved “the pause” before bedtime, that special time of day when children are freshly bathed and tucked into clean pajamas and we find time to read, or snuggle, or unwind with our little ones. I absolutely love the designs on their pajamas. Their skiier set took inspiration from Robert Redford in “Downhill Racer” and I had to have the skater set for my daughter, as the designs are set in Central Park! So whimsical and charming. Each set tells a story in its imagery. Thank you, Petidoux, for sending these my way. More holiday jammies here.
OVERSIZED BOW HEADBAND. This $12 statement headband would totally MAKE an outfit. Just pair with jeans and a black crewneck or your favorite LBD.
SHERPA BELT BAG. Everyone has been raving about the Lululemon bag and I had it in my cart for awhile, too, but I ended up buying this similar $22 style on Amazon. I love belt bags when walking Tilly in the winter — just enough space for phone, AirPods holder, and keys.
ULLA JOHNSON ANNISA DRESS. I ended up wearing this beautiful Ulla on Thanksgiving. I loved the detail, the sleeves, the bows at waist. Everything she makes is incredibly well-designed, with the loveliest fit and feel. My dress is currently on sale with an extra 30% off here.
LITTLE ENGLISH MALLARD TURTLENECK AND SWEATER. Both currently 40% off — buy now for next fall! I fell in love with this mallard motif the moment I laid eyes on it. Usually I aim for a bit more dressed up on Thanksgiving, but this duo was just too cute to pass up. Their patterned turtlenecks are the absolute best — I buy them for both my children. Stock up while 40% off!
ST. FRANK FOOTED BOWLS (SEEN IN PHOTO AT TOP). I’ve written about St. Frank many times over the years. This brand was founded by my elegant, chic friend Christina, and is full of the most fabulous and unexpected home finds. She kindly sent me one of these footed bowls a few weeks back and it sparks joy on a daily basis. I have been using mine to hold trinkets and baubles in my office. I often wear rings and a watch on my right hand during the day but when I’m typing at my desk I prefer them off, so the bowl has become a perfect holding place. They would also be great for displaying collected matchboxes, candy, keys, etc. The bowls come in a few colors and would make a really lovely under-$50 gift — they are substantial in size.
ESPACIO CABLE BRACELETS. How fun are these mixed into my everyday stack?! The gals at Espacio Pop Up shop generously sent a few over my way. At $32 (and, at time of writing this post, 30% off, making them close to $20), they would make a fun gift for girlfriends. Wrap each up in a cellophane bag with an enormous ribbon. Modern day friendship bracelets.
TERRY SLIPPERS. These look like absolute heaven to slide into after taking a hot shower. No one wants cold feet afterward!
ERIN WALLACE DESIGNS HOLIDAY CARDS. I wrote about these yesterday but cannot wait to schedule a night to sit down with a glass of champagne and a holiday movie to address them all. She makes the most beautiful pieces year after year.
BOX CUTTER. This $10 gadget has actually changed my life. So much easier to open boxes this way vs nearly injuring myself on a daily basis with scissors jammed in at the wrong way. Trust me, you need this for the holiday season. I like that the blade is ceramic, too, making it less dangerous!
JULIA AMORY TOILETRY CASE SET. I destroyed my toiletry cases a few weeks ago when the pipe under my sink dripped into them (unbeknownst to me) for at least a week and then had black mold all over the interior. Yuck. I was thrilled when I snagged this set for 35% off during Cyber Week!
By: Jen Shoop
My Latest Snag: Christmas Cards from Erin Wallace.
I did quite a bit of damage this Cyber Week (<<still updating this post with new promotions I find, and I also shared a roundup of standout deals I discovered on Black Friday). I’ve been taking a look at what’s been most popular among the deals that started Tuesday and these were the top six items Magpies were buying on sale the last time I checked!
As for me, I’m really excited about mini’s nutcracker pajamas from Lake. I already had a pair for myself and was waiting for them to go on sale for mini! I also picked up some ridiculously good deals on swimsuits at Minnow in their under-$40 clearance section (including these swim trunks, only $16?!) and TBBC, including $12 Polly play dresses. I mean, insane! You can hardly get a Target dress for that price, and the quality and patterns on the TBBCs are incredible. I like these for everyday summer wear, and you can also layer over leggings. I also treated myself to some goodies from Julia Amory, who is offering 35% off sitewide (including off already discounted items), including another shirt dress (I lived in these all last summer) and a set of cosmetic cases.
But today I want to focus on my holiday cards from the talented Erin Wallace, which just arrived and — wow. Her pieces are consistently exceptional and just what I want! You have less than two weeks to place your order if you want it to arrive before Christmas. Every year, I look forward to addressing the cards. I’ve made it a kind of ritual: pour a glass of champagne, put on a Christmas movie, and enjoy the process.
This Week’s Most Popular: Winter and Holiday Finds.
11. MULTICOLOR CROPPED-FIT CARDIGAN IN AN INTRICATE AND FESTIVE FAIR ISLE KNIT PATTERN
12. BOLD RUBY RED VELVET FOLDOVER-STYLE ENVELOPE CLUTCH WITH REMOVABLE COORDINATING SATIN CROSSBODY STRAP
13. BUTTERY-SOFT HIGH-WAISTED LEGGINGS — A HIGH-QUALITY BASIC AT AN UNDENIABLY ENTICING PRICE
14. BEAUTIFULLY ILLUSTRATED MUSICAL PICTURE BOOK RENDITION OF THE NUTCRACKER STORY
15. RELAXED-FIT NAVY AND WHITE STRIPED LONG-SLEEVE CREWNECK TOP…SUPER SIMILAR TO AYR’S FRENCH FRY AND WORD ON THE STREET IS JUST AS GOOD
16. GIRLS’ PULLOVER OATMEAL-COLORED KNIT CREWNECK SWEATER WITH AN ADORABLE SHEEP FAIR ISLE PATTERN
Weekend Musings: You’ll Know When You Find It.
I found the image below on Tumblr and thought it was a gorgeous sentiment. What’s meant for you will not miss you. I also completely agree that — as hokey as it sounds — the heart knows. This has been true with finding “The One” in my husband, buying our forever home, and making the decision to leave NYC. It didn’t feel right until it did. Onward!
Shopping Break.
+OK, this sequin mini from Zara is perfection for NYE. Can’t beat the price. Finish with these fabulous heels — entire look under $140. BAM. (Or you could pair with these party heels that have been uber popular among Magpies — currently 25% off.)
+I ended up ordering mini one of these popular Squishmallows. She’s going to flip. I discovered these on a “Best Toys of 2022” list? Apparently very trendy.
+I’ve given a few friends/family portable speakers over the years as gifts. I bought this one for Mr. Magpie last year and we’ve used it constantly — great to have for outdoor dining, hanging out in the backyard, yardwork, travel/beach, etc. This one is chic and less expensive.
+These journaling prompt cards are clever and inspiring. Would be a good way to ease into a journaling practice. The shop also sells positivity cards, and I love these ones for kids. In the cart for mini!
+I feel like I would get so much use out of this eye shadow palette.
+Not the best deal I’ve seen this Cyber Week, but Away is offering $50 off any two suitcases. If you’ve been waiting to pull the trigger on these well-reviewed cases (Wirecutter recommends), now’s a good time to buy a set, or maybe a his and hers pair. Great gift for a spouse.
+How CHIC is this oversized bow headband? Looks just like a much more expensive style I’ve seen elsewere.
+This caftan is beyond. A great pick if you need something fabulous for a formal evening but not body-conscious — would be great for pregnancy/post-partum!
Below, my absolute favorite finds this Black Friday. I tracked a lot of the sales earlier this week here, and many of them are still ongoing, some with additional promotions, but below is a targeted list of some of the standout finds I’ve ferreted out the last 24 hours. Not seen below because I covered earlier this week, but if you’ve not yet shopped it, Tuckernuck’s sale is pretty epic. Shared some picks here — this sparkly woven shoulder bag is amazing and would add so much dimension to your holiday look. I neglected to include this spectacular Self Portrait mini bow bag (seen above) in that roundup. I also shared the top six most popular Cyber Week deals I’ve shared so far here.
SELF PORTRAIT RIBBED MIDI DRESS. Just the chicest LBD I ever did see. Sure to be a wardrobe workhorse for years. One of my girlfriends owns this dress and it is a knockout.
JENNIFER BEHR EARRINGS. 30% off. These are so spectacular — they remind me of the gorgeous chandeliers on the ceiling of the Kennedy Center Opera House!
J. CREW BOW HEELS. Brand new on the site and the PERFECT holiday heel. 50% off plus an extra 10% off!
ADINA EDEN ETERNITY BAND. A few of my friends travel with faux wedding bands — so smart! I love the styles at Adina Eden, including this one, 50% off.
GE PEBBLE ICEMAKER. A total luxury, but 25% off and would make cocktails and soda taste like heaven. Mr. Magpie and I talk about splurging on this multiple times a year but have never yet pulled the trigger…
DOEN TOP. Just so fun! I love the pattern and color. Easy weekday outfit: statement blouse like this with my favorite Madewell jeans.
TULA VITAMIN C SERUM. I’ve just been raving about this serum, and found it 30% off with free ship! Ordered a second bottle.
TOTEME WOOL COAT. A forever piece from an ultra-covetable brand at 40% off.
LA LIGNE CASHMERE STRIPED SWEATER. I own a super similar style (same color stripes and everything) from La Ligne and wear it once a week.
BYREDO MOJAVE GHOST PERFUME. $50 off with code THANKFUL. It’s super rare to get any kind of discount off of fragrance, and this amounts to 25% off. I bought a bottle for myself of this scent, which I am totally obsessed with.
MINNOW TRUNKS AND SWIMSUIT. $16 and $19 respectively — omg. My best Black Friday score yet?! I ordered for my children. Never seen Minnow so cheap!
TONIEBOX. 30% off. We’re obsessed with this screen-free digital storytelling device! Used this promo to buy my son one.
The holiday season is rapidly approaching, and once all of your gifts are bought…it’s time to gift wrap! I have such a fun time picking out gift tags and wrapping paper to bring the Christmas tree alive, so I thought I would share some of the cutest gift-wrapping gear I have seen lately.
Last Sunday, my mother took me to see the Ballet of Monte Carlo’s performance of “Cendrillon” (Cinderella) at The Kennedy Center. I had been looking forward to it, but as the morning approached, I found myself thinking “I wish this were taking place another weekend.” We’d just returned from a busy trip to New York and I felt behind on household admin and various tasks related to the children. We were also about to host two sets of house guests and put on Thanksgiving for ten. On top of it all, I was behind on writing and had been looking forward to spending some time looking at all of the sales happening this week — both for myself (holiday gifts! holiday outfits! christmas pajamas!) and for my Magpies. I carried all of that frenetic energy right into my date with my mother. And then the most magical thing happened:
I sat down on one of the benches in the hallway outside the Eisenhower Theater next to my mother, and felt everything slide right off my plate. It was a nearly physical experience: my shoulders relaxed, my heart rate went down. I had nowhere to be and nothing to do but enjoy three hours next to my mother. There was something uniquely relaxing about sitting in the dark quiet of the theater, asked only to sit as a spectator. Nothing was demanded of me. I could not even check my phone. I sat still and watched what was in front of me, or let my thoughts drift, or glazed over for a spell.
I am so grateful for that pre-holiday pause. I wrote earlier this year that my hope was to find stillness in the season, and my afternoon at the ballet did just that. I told this to my mother on the drive home, and she said: “It’s so important to spend time as yourself, as an adult.” I knew exactly what she meant. The demands of family and work and household consume so much of our daily lives. It is spectacular to step away from all of that and remember we exist as interesting women with interesting thoughts and interesting passions. So much of that can feel secreted away, muffled by the rush of getting boots on little feet, or answering phone calls, or folding laundry. Of course, I treasured the chat with my mom while we waited for the performance, and during intermissions, and in the car ride home, but I think it was the silent theatergoing that transformed my mood.
Here is a provocation for you as we head into this full season: take yourself on a date. Go to a cafe and enjoy a glass of wine or cup of coffee solo, and sans phone. Or take a stroll down Fifth Ave to do some window shopping. Or walk through a museum. Or take in a movie. Something quiet and contemplative that demands nothing of you but your spectatorship and possibly the slow movement of your feet. I think you might just find you’re a good date, and I think you’ll also discover you’ve recharged your batteries.
+Lots of sales happening – have been updating this post but wanted to specifically call out:
20% off at Alice Walk. You know I am a HUGE advocate of their knits (you can see me in my knit cape over here). I own and adore this alpaca sweater. My husband and I call sweaters like this “murder sweaters” (affectionately, of course) because they are SO WARM that you cannot wear them if you are going to be inside. You can basically go outside in 20 degree weather and feel fine wearing one of those badboys. This cotton weekender sweater has been on my radar for awhile as a perfect all-year-round piece, and if you’re new to the brand, don’t sleep on their striped pima cotton tees. They are impossibly soft with a decent amount of stretch but hold a really nice shape. Last but not least, these cashmere wraps make a perfect gift for the gal who has everything.
20% off at Merit. You know I was really impressed with their $38 serum ($30 with code) — it really turns on your skin, but gently. Full review here. Was also really impressed with the consistency of their cheek color balm — it truly melts into skin — but I didn’t love the color I picked (cheeky — it’s a bit too brown on me).
+Cutest teddy slippers for little ones. Perfect for pairing with winter/holiday jammies!
+This eyeshadow duo is 25% off and won an Allure award. I generally trust their stamp of approval. Love the color options!
+Kind of digging the return of the original yoga pant (flared) shape. I think the silhouette can be really flattering. These are in my cart.
+Could not be more obsessed with these shoes. Oh my Lord! Velvet, hot pink, bows?!
+Speaking of hot pink velvet: this dress!!! Rhode has made this shape for ages but I just love this new fabric/color option!
+A great gift for a new grandma: these Herend baby shoes. My mother has one for each of her five children and I gave her another after she helped me care for mini when she was born.
+This pilgrim chic dress reminds me of something by Maje — but currently costs around $50.
+At the time of writing this, this Tonies box is 30% off. Seriously such a great gift.
+Treating myself to this coffee table book as office decor. The cover just makes me happy.
+I saw a gal wearing this tartan dress in NYC and she looked so fabulous. Would work with bump!
+LOVE this holiday tabletop collection — cleverly made of paper!
+Perfect short sleeved sweater for layering over holiday looks.
+Have you heard of this little emergency device in case you run into trouble while running alone? Clever.
+If you’re attending a formal wedding this winter, this stopped me in my tracks.
+Obsessed with these glitter Native boots for a little girl — such a fun color.
By: Jen Shoop
Happy Thanksgiving, Magpies.
I hope today you find not only gratitude but flow, my elected intention for 2023. By flow I mean the kind of presence of mind and spirit and body that can only be born of letting go the things that do not matter, and feeling earnestly and humbly whatever comes our way. On Instagram earlier this week, I saw a post about how rivers are clean because they move; ponds grow mucky with stagnation. I was electrified by the visual, and have been completing an internal audit of the things I have been clinging to — old frustrations and hurts, stubborn insecurities — that deserve release. I have also been thinking a lot about the idea of being less guarded, less precious with my natural responses. I often police my own thoughts — “You shouldn’t feel that way…” or “You shouldn’t be thinking that” — and maybe it is better to quiet that voice and let things move, lest they come out sideways and crooked-stance down the road.
Perhaps these are strange sentiments to share on Thanksgiving, but as I sat down to write today, I felt I grateful for this fresh frame of mind. I feel lighter than I did yesterday just having those sentiments nearby, in the same room if not actively worn.
I also, of course, feel humbled by the many blessings in my life. An embarrassment of riches, really. So today, I am re-sharing our traditional family Thanksgiving prayer. I write about this every year because every year it moves me. It gets down to brass tacks quickly, doesn’t it? It even led my tough husband to tears after a particularly stressful stretch of time, and, each year, I receive notes from Magpies telling me they’ve adopted the prayer in their own home and have dabbed tears off their cheeks after. Perhaps it can find a way to your table, too…
For food in a world where many walk in hunger; for faith in a world where many walk in fear; for friends in a world where many walk alone, we give you humble thanks, O Lord.
My husband recently surprised me with this dog puzzle — I love puzzles at holiday time (nothing cozier than pouring a cup of tea or glass of wine and chit-chatting with family while working on it) and he read this brand is fantastic. I’ll be breaking it out this holiday week with friends and family staying with us.
I couldn’t sleep the other night and so I went down the dark shopping hole that is Amazon and found some truly fabulous finds for the season ahead — holiday decor, trendy gifts for kids (have you heard of Squishmallows? apparently all the rage?), and fun accessories for us.
01. THE RABBIT LISTENED — ONE OF OUR FAVORITE CHILDREN’S BOOKS WITH A GREAT MESSAGE ABOUT EMPATHY, FEELINGS, AND LISTENING
P.P.S. Restocking the children’s activity cabinet.
P.P.P.S. What do you make of the modern thriller genre? I have thoughts.
By: Jen Shoop
We compiled all Magpie recipes into beautiful cards for your kitchen! Get the recipe card collection in your inbox here.
By the time you are reading this, I will be nearly finished preparing the three desserts I am making for Thanksgiving tomorrow: Garden and Gun’s bourbon balls (from this cookbook), Jesse Szewczyk’s lemon-thyme shortbread squares (from this cookbook), and Stella Parks’ peanut brittle (from this cookbook). I personally love pumpkin pie but know it’s polarizing, and I do find that everyone is stuffed by the time the proverbial dessert cart rolls around, so I thought offering a trio of not-too-sweet bites would be a fun twist on things. I am envisioning sitting around the table, sipping the last of a glass of wine, reaching for a little nibble — a perfect fare la scarpetta moment.
I want to spotlight the festive and decadent bourbon balls, which I have made before, to great effect. I found them absolutely delicious and delightfully (shockingly!) easy to make, especially since they do not have you melting the chocolate over a double boiler (chocolate can be finicky and for years I had trouble with it seizing) but rather melting it beneath a nearly-boiling blend of cream, corn syrup, etc, which is a more fool-proof approach. There is something fetchingly retro and slightly naughty about them (no one needs to know you’re having a little midday nip of booze in the form of a chocolate truffle). We served them as dessert at a dinner party last winter and sent our guests home with a little bundle. I received a text a few days later: “How much bourbon are in these? We’re currently contemplating breaking into them while sitting in bumper to bumper traffic on 95.” HA.
Bonus: they can be made several days ahead and they keep wonderfully. We also froze some and they were wonderful as a surprise treat in mid-March, too. They are booze-forward so do not undertake if you’re not into bourbon. Last year, we mixed bourbon with Grand Marnier because we were short bourbon (gasp! my Virginia husband is appalled at that admission) and it was absolutely delicious, too, so feel free to toss in other liquors that appeal. It’s possible you could decrease or omit the bourbon but…just go for it.
Ingredients.
1 cup pecan halves, toasted and finely chopped
2 cups crushed vanilla wafers (about 8 oz.) — I used the food processor, but be careful because you can turn them into a paste if you over-blend…just buzz a few times.
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup light corn syrup
8 oz. bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (I love the cinnamon from Spice House)
1/3 cup bourbon
Optional coatings: finely ground vanilla wafers, chopped pecans, dusting of cocoa powder or cinnamon sugar
Preparation.
Combine the crushed wafers and pecans in a large bowl. Place the chopped chocolate in a separate bowl. In a small saucepan, combine the cream, corn syrup, and cinnamon and place over medium heat. Bring just to a boil, stirring constantly. Immediately pour the mixture over the chopped chocolate and whisk to blend in the cream as the chocolate melts. Let cool for 1-2 minutes, then whisk in the bourbon.
Pour the chocolate mixture over the crumb-nut mixture and stir well to combine. Place in the refrigerator to chill for 30 minutes. Form the mixture into balls with a small melon baller (about 2 teaspoons), roll in coatings as desired, and arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Store in an airtight container in a cool place for up to 1 week. Yield: 48.
+The coupes I use to serve the aforementioned cocktail are these. LOVE.
+With shopping season here, trust me: you need this. It’s changed my life. Haha. I like that the blade is ceramic, too, so it’s not as dangerous an implement to have in the house (though I always keep mine up high anyhow).
