A hot shower just before bed.
A wide grosgrain ribbon around a perfectly-wrapped gift.
The one-block walk between the end of my run in Central Park and my apartment — I am always pleasantly tired and happy for the occasion to catch my breath amongst brownstones.
The way my son slow-blinks himself to sleep while staring straight at me.
Freshly-laundered sheets.
A glass of “bed wine” while watching a comfort show.
A new box of crayons — I have enjoyed reliving the joy of this experience through my children.
Sugar cookies from Wegmans.
A completed list of to-dos.
The smell of rain.
The big bite of spaghettini twirled around a fork.
The moment after I’ve finished the dishes, turned on the dishwasher, and taken out the trash — goodnight, moon.
Listening to my daughter play: I love her distracted, high-pitched voice emulating my own in the hazy conversations between her toys.
The first sip of coffee in the morning.
The way our Airedale will press her face against my face, leaning her body against mine, in affection — tail slow-wagging, eyes soft and happy.
Lying in bed in a robe, reading on my Kindle.
Drinking champagne from a coupe.
The way my husband chills an old-fashioned glass in the freezer while mixing me a cocktail, and keeps my food warm in the oven, and will never neglect a garnish of parsley, or lime wedge, or radish sliced so thinly it is nearly transparent, as the finishing touch on my dinner plate. These tiny undertakings are love incarnate.
Much of it, come to think of it, love incarnate — from the sacrament of rain to the solicitude of ironing bedsheets that are destined to wrinkle by sunrise.
What are the small pleasures that make your day?
Post-Scripts.
+To Mr. Magpie: I can feel your heart.
+A GREAT top. An investment, but WOW. Would completely make your look!
+Last minute gift for a teacher!
+Sweet eyelet dress for your mini-me, under $20.
+Just added a few sleep sacks in the 18-36 months size to my cart. I think we had weaned mini off of sleep sacks by around now (two years) but I didn’t at the time know about the brand Kyte, which are my absolute favorite sleep sacks! I like that they come in different weights depending on season. Micro often sleeps in the 0.5 TOG weight because his room gets warm even in the winter, as it is located just off the kitchen and close to the laundry!
+I’m such a big fan of statement pearl necklaces like this. So chic under a button-down or over a crewneck!
+Have we talked about finishing powder? Do you use it? I have been using and loving Hourglass’ formula in Ethereal Light — very light and illuminating, just sets everything and imparts a nice amount of radiance — but am intrigued by this Ilia formula.
+I think micro needs these swim trunks as we move back to the mid-Atlantic!
+These sandals are everything.
+This scalloped mirror is SO chic and I couldn’t believe the price — I saw it first in my girlfriend Mackenzie’s newly remodeled bathroom!
+Oh my goodness, I just love this chunky knit cardigan for a little lady.
+Totally mad for the blue print of this dress. (Also available in a kaftan.)
+A favorite shirt from this season.
+Just added this set of barrettes to my cart for mini. Cute!
+Sweet UPF 50 swimsuit for a little love.
+In case you’re restocking your hand soap supply…
+This acorn bag — are you kidding me?!
+Things that mattered to me at 18.
+People keep raving about this face mask. Might be my next mask purchase. Someone said it’s “a must-buy for women over 30.”