This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links below, I may receive compensation. Image above by Jessica Durrant, but from a few years ago. Should I go back to my blonder hair?!
+REALIZING YOU’VE CHANGED: This week, I leveled up from 3-lb free weights to 5-lb ones in my weighted exercise routine. Such a powerful moment — realizing you’ve changed, for the better, even in a tiny way.
What’s one way you’ve changed in 2025?
(A few of the micro-changes that Magpies shared with me on Instagram: flossing daily; replacing soda with Ollipop; not hitting the snooze button; taking cold showers; buying free weights; increasing treadmill pace at Orange Theory; being “OK” seeing any movement as a win while my fitness has taken a dip in pregnancy; cycling again for the first time in 1.5 years.)
+A MINI MILESTONE TOKEN: Per the above point, I really tried to celebrate small wins last week, or — as we’ve been referring to them lately, “micro-breaks,” as in — there are no big breaks; just a lot of mini ones. Typically, I celebrate little windfalls by inputting them into a running “note” on my phone titled: “Good things are always happening to me” (more on this here) but last week was a big week where I hit some goals I’ve been working toward for years. (Will share more on this when I can — eee!). So one night last week, I ordered Georgetown Cupcakes via UberEats just to make a little party of it. Coincidentally, the jewelry brand Dana Rebecca sent me the most gorgeous delicate necklace last week. When I took it out of the box, it occurred to me that it could be “my milestone token,” celebrating the “micro-break” from the week. I’ve been wearing it every day since, layered beneath my usual Dorsey stack (this, this) and every time I notice it or touch it, it feels like a secret little victory dance.
Anyhow, if you’re looking for a little piece of milestone jewelry to celebrate a micro-break of your own, here are a few picks: my Dana Rebecca; this delicate solitaire necklace ($149!); this Aurate (I gave this to my SIL over the summer as a gesture of connection while she lives abroad in Norway! — also comes in a vermeil version that is less $$); this pretty heart with something engraved on it (an important date, a slogan, etc!); a Jane Win coin (love the different motifs available); the Dorsey Clemence.
+BESTSELLERS: Speaking of…I wear my Dorsey Clemence necklace every single day, and was delighted to see many of you purchased one this week, too! She’s so easy to layer and dresses up/down like a dream.
01. DORSEY CLEMENCE NECKLACE // 02. TUCKERNUCK LACE CAFTAN DRESS // 03. ZIPLOC BAG DISPENSER // 04. VERONICA BEARD JEANS (SOO CHIC AND FLATTERING – RUN TTS BUT DENIM IS VERY STIFF FYI) // 05. NUXE BODE OIL // 06. J. CREW DRESS // 07. TARGET SANDALS // 08. J. CREW FACTORY JEANS (OBSESSED WITH THESE) // 09. TUCKERNUCK BLOUSE (IN MY CLOSET, TOO) // 10. LAKE RELAX PAJAMA SET (DIVINE) // 11. MILLE DRESS (15% OFF WITH JEN15) // 12. RALPH LAUREN NAVY WEAR-EVERYWHERE DRESS
+FAVORITE FAMILY GAMES: We are big into our game-playing era. Landon and I play Wingspan several times a week (!) — we now have all the expansion packs, too. (#thisis40). Aside from deriving deep enjoyment and relaxation from playing Wingspan, I love the way it connects me (playfully) with Mr. Magpie in a different way, and also models for our children the importance of making time and place for play. With the kids, our current family favorites (aside from the basics — Uno, Jenga, War, etc) are Taco vs. Burrito, Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza, and Klask. Do you have Klask? Our kids LOVE this, and so do Landon and I. I just ordered this to add to the collection after reading some really strong reviews.
+WHAT IS ‘NORMAL’ IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD? Related to our game-playing habit, I came across a stirring quote this week: “One of the most significant things about a household is what is considered normal” (Justin Eardley). This really made me think about the routines, habits, rituals that are so normalized as to be “just part of the fabric” but are in fact part of what defines us as a family — after all, time is just a tool to express your values. How we spend our time reflects what we prioritize. Run a quick audit of a weekend in your home — how do you spend time together? What is normal? What is NOT normal?
Some of our family life mainstays include game-playing, coloring (there are markers and paper out 100% of the time during our weekends), reading, cooking, eating together, taking care of our home (chores, laundry, fixing things, sorting things, organizing), sports for the kids, music-playing (music is always on in our house, from dawn til dusk), puzzles, exercise (for Landon and I – the kids love to watch us on the bike and chirp out instructions), and a lot of “I love yous.” We’re determinedly liberal with verbal affection. Also, we almost always go to Mass on Sunday at 10:30 a.m.
Reviewing this list, I’d love to see more time outside as a family. I’m making the excuse that it’s been cold, snowy, windy — but of course, a la the Scandis, “there’s no such thing as bad weather.” (Just bad clothes for the weather.) I’m also aware that we don’t do a ton of socializing as a family. Landon and I frequently go out to dinner on Fri/Sat night by ourselves or with friends, but could do more with family friends. In the warm months, we do spend a lot of time with neighbors — impromptu chat, glass of wine, catch up while the kids play, etc. Maybe it’s seasonally inflected!
+EYEING + BUYING: On my radar this week! I did buy this Doen skirt after staring at it for way too long. (Looks for less here, here.) Can’t wait to style it — I have lots of looks in mind! I also ordered the small version of this K18 mask, which several Magpies have raved about, including in the comments of this recent post. (One wrote: “I adore K18. It has changed my hair.” I was sold!) Will test and report back!
Also a note that Minnow just launched the CUTEST spring collection and I want to order everything. Adore this little yellow bikini. All my picks here.
FAVORITE DAUGHTER BUTTER YELLOW DRESS // QUINCE SUNGLASSES // DANA REBECCA NECKLACE // J. CREW COTTON CARDIGAN // K18 MOLECULAR HAIR MASK // DOLCE VITA FLATS // DOEN SKIRT // LOEFFLER RANDALL LUKA VEST // MINNOW SWIMSUIT FOR GIRLS
After dinner games are a favorite pastime in our house. Our current repertoire: Blokus, Monopoly Deal, Battleship, and Harry Potter Guess Who? Sometimes as a family, one on one with the kids, or with my husband (our daughter gets a kick out of how competitive we are with each other).
I like this post too. What is normal in our household is meal planning and schedule alignment, meals often dictated by our schedules. It’s also normal for there to be music on, going for walks, and having lunch together at home. I would pose this question as I have noticed those with large families tend not to have many friends outside the family, is this accurate? I guess one other small yet significant change is I am learning to put myself first and to limit my activities. My own rest and well-being, financial and otherwise are equally if not more important sometimes than giving into this or this. I guess it is all about balance and moderation and we’re all human so at times someone will be disappointed.
A way I’ve changed in 2025 – I gave up alcohol and joined A.A.!
After kids and COVID, my drinking morphed from a fun social thing I did with friends to a solo activity I used as a crutch. I finally decided to face it head on and make the commitment to cut it out of my life. I’m almost at 90 days, and it’s been a journey, but one thing I’ve been surprised by is the beauty I have found in the A.A. program. Not only is the community diverse and completely supportive and caring, the message that comes with the 12 steps is so beautiful, and honestly something everyone could benefit from – addict or not. I’ve really benefited from joining the community and trying to live my daily life according to the A.A. principles, to the extent that the giving up of alcohol is just a small part of it.
With 90 days approaching, I’ve been reflecting a lot on this. This prompt was perfect for me!
That is no small milestone! Congratulations! Your words about your journey were really beautiful. Thank you for sharing. You’re doing amazing work. You got this!