Every now and then, I shut down my computer an hour before our nanny leaves. I lock the door and then take a long, hot shower; apply as much hydrating skincare as possible — I’m talking an inappropriately goopy application; and lay in my robe letting my hair air dry while I either read on my Kindle or text my girlfriends or scroll through Instagram or just close my eyes for a spell. It is a winning alchemy. I descend for dinner hour in a kind of peaceful haze, better able to withstand the buffeting of pleas for milk and shrieks about the wrong cup and “but I don’t want peas” and the usual litany of “mama? mama? mama? mama?” Instead of cinching up my shoulders and issuing brisk corrections as I am sometimes wont to do after a long day, I find myself cloaked in quiet, wordlessly managing demands or silently crouching down and pulling those tiny bodies to myself. It is a wonder what a hug can do, when you are in the right frame of mind. It feels as though the cyclonic energy they normally produce during witching hour cycles right through the floor and the world goes still for a minute.
What is this, I wonder?
A few years ago, a Magpie reader that was participating in a short-lived in-person Magpie book club I hosted with my girlfriend Inslee told us that she had participated in a trippy-sounding meditation practice in which various sounds were played and she absolutely forgot who she was and what she was doing. She could not for the life of her remember what happened during that hour of guided practice, but she emerged wearing serenity. I could not accommodate that level of self-erasure (but what happened in there?!) but there is something about an hour of steam, robe-wearing, and masks that accomplishes something adjacent. A space opens. Something gives way. And whatever it is seems to operate according to laws of conservation: the energy I might otherwise expend rapidly working against the shot clock are instead pocketed for mothering through the toughest hour of the day.
How do you spend time alone in meaningful ways? Do you also use that time to conserve energy for other purposes?
Post Scripts.
+A curious case of mom guilt. Interesting comments on this post.
+Ideas for pampering at home.
+My favorite face masks. I must update this to include Summer Friday’s Jet Lag formula — it’s like sleep in a tube. I know I’m very late to the game on this but it is truly a lovely newcomer.
+On self-care as a mother. Interesting comments on this post, too.
+How do you take care of yourself?
+Finding a tranquil frame of mind.
Shopping Break.
+Oo this Doen top is doing me right.
+I am loving woven mules to wear all summer long: these and these turned my head!
+J. Crew nailed it with this gingham rash guard for a little one. (20% off if you are a cardholder!)
+Another Target slam dunk. (More here.)
+I just reordered more of this delicious spicy margarita salt. It really takes a marg to the next level. I figure I’ll keep one in my gift closet to bring as a hostess gift! I am also intrigued by this spicy everything salt, which I’ve heard is delicious on avocado toast, eggs, bagel and cream cheese, etc!
+Nearly every cocktail we make at home comes from this excellent recipe book. This makes SUCH a good gift for a dude. And then you will be the happy beneficiary 🙂
+Loving these pareos from Tory Burch — two of the patterns are marked down significantly! So chic to layer over our new Maygel Coronel suits.
+One of my girlfriends just bought these heels and I might need to follow suit. I feel like they will be perfect for summer weddings! I’m loving the “puffy footwear” trend — check out these adorable ones from Target!
+I have been eyeing these Naghedi totes so many of you have and love for so long — I think I might take the plunge this summer. They are just so chic for everyday wear! (More bags for the season ahead here.)
+This lilac hemp dress is so different from anything I’ve seen this season. I immediately imagined myself wearing it with clogs for some reason.
+Will be ordering micro these active shorts in the white and/or warm aqua colors.
+These pajamas in the superhero print for mini!!!! (And micro!) Thanks to the Magpie who sent me this — as you know, my girl loves superheroes!
+I cannot even with these Louboutins. I can’t! I have nowhere to wear them but that are absolutely fabulous. And you know how I feel about statement shoes…
+Drawn to these all-white APLs with the little hit of hot pink on the tongue, especially paired with all of the new hot pink pieces from Alo and my favorite tank from Beyond Yoga in the hot pink.
+More spring fitness finds here.
+I know several of you have been wanting to recreate this look from LR but none of us can find the top shown here?! If anyone has intel, please share. The proportions/silhouette of this look is fabulous. In absentia, this Sundry top is pretty good as a replacement.
+My sister has been RAVING about these suits from Hunza G. I know they’ve been popular the last few seasons but her effusiveness on this matter has me considering this ice blue one myself.
+In case you’re going to Disney with littles…
+This woven Shoshanna is amazing! Mother’s Day?