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I’m back with more weird getting-to-know you questions! (More recent installments here and here.) This series is truly one of my favorites — you always deliver the funniest, most fascinating responses. Copy and paste to answer below!
01. The most interesting person you’ve ever met (can’t say your spouse/significant other).
02. Best socks.
03. A la Cup of Jo: the coziest corner in your house.
04. Last thing you ate.
05. Most overrated food and most underrated food.
06. Bury me in _____.
07. Hyperfixation outfit.
08. Favorite movie soundtrack.
09. Something weird you like about your spouse/significant other.
****
I’ll go first!
01. The most interesting person you’ve ever met (can’t say your spouse/significant other). Caroline Kennedy. I wrote about the experience here, but I was at a photojournalism awards ceremony with a friend (celebrated photojournalist Andrew Harnik) and she introduced herself to me. I had assumed I’d be off in the wings, more or less arm candy, and so when she asked who I was, I gracelessly said: “Oh I’m nobody.” She replied: “What?! Of course you’re somebody. Let’s try that again. I’m Caroline. Who are you?” I’ll never forget it. The interaction spoke volumes about her. Have to pay that energy forward!
02. Best socks. For cold weather, you can’t beat Darn Tough. They are warm, foot-hugging, slightly-cushioned–and last an eternity. I overheard my brother and Mr. Magpie talk at length about how much they loved them in Aspen this summer.
03. A la Cup of Jo: the coziest corner in your house. The far corner end of the couch in our family room. My children are usually spread out on the floor with drawings, toys, puzzles, and I have a clear view of the kitchen, which is where Mr. Magpie is 90% of the time.
04. Last thing you ate. All I’ve had today is an oat milk latte — but last night, I had shaved brussel sprout salad and mushroom pizza from Summer House in Pike and Rose, enjoyed on the coffee table in front of the TV while watching “Out of Africa.” Mr. Magpie is out of town and he would be appalled at the basicness of my order. We both laughed at this video on the travails of eating while married — especially the bit “when one of us is on vacation, the other one reverts into being a trash goblin.” When he is gone, I usually “scrounge” or fry up an egg for dinner, so I’d say my Summer House order was actually an achievement.
05. Most overrated food and most underrated food. Overrated: balsamic vinegar (I am a huge vinegar head but this is my least favorite variety, and it seems to be the world’s favorite…like, have you tried champagne vinegar? malt vinegar? sherry vinegar?!); underrated: celery root. I feel like we don’t eat enough of it in this world. Mr. Magpie made a celery root puree last week and I honestly think it might be better than mashed potatoes.
06. Bury me in _____. Honestly more intrigued by what your answers to this will be — cashmere? a scent? — but my first reaction was: Aspen, Colorado. My favorite place on earth.
07. Hyperfixation outfit. Pointelle tee, Agolde jeans. Just feel so good in them. If I’m in a hurry or uninspired, I put these on and add a statement sweater/blazer — instantly feel like a million bucks.
08. Favorite movie soundtrack. This is hard because I love movie soundtracks as a general proposition. But I’d say “Pride & Prejudice” (Keira Knightley version) and “Out of Africa.”
09. Something weird you like about your spouse/significant other. The way he drives our car — I can’t explain it. (Is it because he only uses one hand while doing it? His confidence?) Is this something other people can relate to?
Share your answers in the comments!
Shopping Break.
+I think I’m going to order this scarf collar knit. It’s giving Toteme vibes but under $80.
+On the sock question: I keep hearing great things about these ones from Le Bon Shoppe. Vibe for less with these ones, which get enthusiastic reviews on Amazon, and are a fraction of the price.
+A great everyday flat at a great price.
+Into Loeffler Randall’s current clothing connection — saw these jeans on Jessie Randall herself and loved the fit and unexpected gray wash. Also, as a pointelle addict, intrigued by this top.
+Merit Beauty just sent me this skin/complexion set (good value!), including their brand new priming moisturizer. I absolutely love their complexion stick (sort of a hybrid between concealer/foundation – great for travel and I keep in my purse for touch ups) and especially this angled brush. I have two of the latter because I needed a back-up just in case — I use this daily for foundation, concealer, gel bronzer/blush! It blends like a dream. Truly a magical must-have for your makeup arsenal.
+Minnow just launched a great fall break capsule. I love all the tan gingham and chocolate pieces, like this swimsuit (if you’ve not tried their swim for adults, you’re missing out — super flattering and great fit; run TTS) and this one for your little one. Also great everyday wear, like this striped breton tee (ordered for my son) and these shorts.
+Love this zip-up cardigan.
+Swooning over this rich burgundy hue from Cuyana!
+Speaking of oxblood/burgundy, Favorite Daughter just launched a capsule with Moda Operandi and I can’t stop thinking about this satin coat. So dramatic!
+These suede-effect shorts from H&M are so good!
+Saw a mom wearing these sneakers at recess duty — chiccccc.
These are so fun to read!
01. The most interesting person you’ve ever met (can’t say your spouse/significant other).
Judy Clarke, one of my personal heroes (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judy_Clarke?wprov=sfti1)
02. Best socks.
Ugg wool socks. I love wearing them around the house when it’s cold but my house slippers are too warm.
03. A la Cup of Jo: the coziest corner in your house.
Our kitchen dining nook— so many amazing meals and conversations take place there, and my memory is filled with vignettes of our daughter sitting at the table at different ages/stages.
04. Last thing you ate.
Hot pot at said cozy kitchen table!
05. Most overrated food and most underrated food.
Overrated: boba. Does that count as a food? It’s fine, but I don’t like to chew my drinks. Underrated: cabbage! Caramelized, pickled, wilted for wraps (in place of lettuce), shredded for salad— so versatile, but never gets any love.
06. Bury me in _____.
The ocean. I’d want my ashes scattered in a surfer’s paddle out.
07. Hyperfixation outfit.
Barrel jeans and cozy sweater.
08. Favorite movie soundtrack.
Gladiator for instrumentals or The Greatest Showman for singalong.
09. Something weird you like about your spouse/significant other.
My husband’s fingers are slim, with knobby knuckles and slightly bulbous fingertips. They’re awkward but somehow still elegant? Maybe because he’s very dexterous? You asked for weird!
Ooo cabbage, amen! I have been SO into this year. Just ordered it with tahini and parmesan at Lutece in DC last night.
Your description of your husband’s fingers…! Love!
xx
01. The most interesting person you’ve ever met (can’t say your spouse/significant other).
Michael Cunningham (author of The Hours). It was over zoom during one of the many author events I attended. This was one of favourite as a new edition of Mrs. Dalloway came out and he wrote the opening. A close second is Ocean Vuong.
02. Best socks. Cozy fleece slipper socks
03. A la Cup of Jo: the coziest corner in your house. In the living room by the fireplace
04. Last thing you ate.
Chicken tacos
05. Most overrated food and most underrated food.
Overrated; macaroni &cheese
Underrated: and classic truek deli sandwich
06. Bury me in _____.
Something chic aka Aubrey Hepburn especially.
07. Hyperfixation outfit.
Barbie
08. Favorite movie soundtrack.
This is really hard as I love most soundtracks but a top favourite lately has been The Duchess. A top one since it came out is Shakespeare in Love. And of course all of the Harry Potter soundtracks
09. Something weird you like about your spouse/significant other.
I love the way he gets so excited telling me about his orienteering event he’s been to. Showing me his map and the score
01. The most interesting person you’ve ever met (can’t say your spouse/significant other). Mr. Morgan, my golf instructor. A wise and most generous man. He dedicated his life to helping underprivileged children and giving them his time, love, and support. I learned a lot from him that season. He taught me to always remember the dog wags the tail, the tail doesn’t wag the dog.
02. Best socks. Not sure of the maker, but alpaca socks a coworker gifted me. They are the loftiest to wear to bed on chilly nights.
03. A la Cup of Jo: the coziest corner in your house. My side of the bed propped up on pillows snuggled with my pups wearing above mentioned alpaca socks.
04. Last thing you ate. A pretzel at midnight.
05. Most overrated food and most underrated food. Overrated food would be charcuterie boards. I’d much prefer an exquisite cheese and some good bread. I can skip the rest. Underrated food would be pumpernickel. Makes for the best deli sandwich.
06. Bury me in _____. If I’m being truthful, I’d love to be buried in a fur coat. A mink or fox. I don’t own any real fur, but I’ve always had an obsession with fur coats since a little girl.
07. Hyperfixation outfit. Pearl studs, a tank style knit maxi dress and cardigan draped over my shoulders. I live in the South.
08. Favorite movie soundtrack. Titanic. The instrumental Disney sound tracks for Little Mermaid and Beauty & the Beast are close runner ups.
09. Something weird you like about your spouse/significant other. I have a love/hate relationship with it because he makes a mess at the same time, but the way he meticulously and methodically prepares our dogs’ food.
Fellow pumpernickel fan! Absolutely love it! And rye, too. Delicious.
So sweet about the dog food prep!
xx
Love these answers!! Such a fascinating glimpse into your chic life!
These posts are *so* fun….both answering the icebreakers, reading your responses, and reading the comments!
01. The most interesting person you’ve ever met (can’t say your spouse/significant other): My mom! My mom is my best friend and my go-to, but we are *so* different. I really treasure the time we spent talking about anything from our days to her childhood and we almost always have differing takes on the same situation.
02. Best socks: I currently feel my best/strongest in my grippy barre/pilates socks but I’m on the hunt for a luxe pair for at home lounging (and sleeping in…I’m always cold!). Any recs?
03. A la Cup of Jo: the coziest corner in your house: Hopefully soon, my office/guest room that I’m going to make a concerted effort to redecorate this winter. I have a few ideas for a reading nook there. Otherwise, my bed in the morning: sun peaking in through the windows, -redacted- number of blankets, and my white cat purring softly in her sleep as I stir awake.
04. Last thing you ate: a haagen dazs milk chocolate vanilla ice cream bar….it’s been that kind of work week and I needed a sweet treat as a nightcap.
05. Most overrated food and most underrated food: I’ll agree with you on balsamic vinegar being overrated. Very rarely am I in the mood for it and does it hit the spot. Underrated, but not really: angel hair pasta. Paired best with a simple tomato sauce and fresh black pepper, nothing more!
06. Bury me in _____: my treasured vintage miu miu heels that I finally had touched up at the cobbler.
07. Hyperfixation outfit: now that it’s colder, my go-to formula is a warm sweater or top (love a square-neck), skinny/skinny-ish jeans (forever a millennial!), heeled black booties, and pearl earrings.
08. Favorite movie soundtrack: not a movie, but I’ve been watching the HBO adaption of “My Brilliant Friend” and adore both the soundtrack and score.
09. Something weird you like about your spouse/significant other: I am currently single, so I’ll share something two of my married friends do together that I hope to one day share in a relationship. They are both voracious readers, and since they’ve been dating, they’ve enjoy reading aloud to one another…they still do, and now they read aloud to their little one, too. Weird to some, especially in the age of audiobooks, but I find it the most romantic!
These are so lovely – especially the note about your friends reading to one another! How romantic!
And love the vintage Miu Miu heels!!
xx
01. The most interesting person you’ve ever met (can’t say your spouse/significant other).
The 4 year-old I used to nanny for, Sam, He was a mix of, well a 4 year-old, and a wise old man. He had amazing taste in music,,, when I would go on dates ( I was a live in) he would tell me he was “jealous but also you should wear strappy shoes’… his parents didn’t allow ANY screen time and didn’t watch the news unless he was asleep….but I was driving him around after 9/11, and he asked me why all the houses had a flag.. I didn’t know what to say so I asked why he thought they did… he said, hand to God… it’s because of that big accident in NY. There is tons of rubble because people couldn’t use their words. His parents were totally shocked and could not figure out where he could possibly have heard any of that. His baby brother was born when I was living with them, and the baby once called me Mama… Sam said, Noah, she’s not your Mom. She’s like our sister and she lives with us. Ha! I moved in with them because I became very close with them, and I finally confided I was in an abusive relationship….I moved in with them the next day. We NEVER talked about any of that in front of Sam, but months later, I had a guy I was dating come in and hang out, and Sam looked at him and said, are you going to be nice to her? Are you going to hit her? You better not. We all just looked at each other, gobsmacked. He was like my little soul brother… it was an honor to be his nanny. And now he’s in his 20s and I’m FB friends with him!! He’s grown up to be as cool and soulful as he was then.
02. Best socks.
whichever ones I’m not wearing, I hate wearing socks, ha!
03. A la Cup of Jo: the coziest corner in your house.
My little corner of the couch. It’s where I read, watch TV, have a glass of wine… and most importantly, it’s where my dog, Crosby, comes to cuddle with me 🙂
04. Last thing you ate.
New Mexican green chile stew, homemade.
05. Most overrated food and most underrated food.
Overrated: truffles. Under: Italian parsley!
06. Bury me in _____. the mountains of New Mexico, with my fiance. It’s beyond beautiful, and it’s where he first (tried, ha) to kiss me, then drove me to the exact same spot to propose, 20 years later.
07. Hyperfixation outfit.
Jeans, striped button down, moccasins or tall brown boots, bun or ponytail.
08. Favorite movie soundtrack.
jJackie Brown! Also a very underrated movie you should watch right away if you haven’t 🙂
09. Something weird you like about your spouse/significant other.
The way he notices when I’m almost out of my favorite shampoo/deodorant,etc and orders it for me…. and has on more than one occasion ordered me a book he noticed I was particularly reluctant to return to the library.
HAHA “I hate wearing socks.” I feel that way about bras. If I could never wear one, I would.
OMG love the detail about your fiance “trying” to kiss you / taking you back there to propose!!! Romantic!
xx
If you can ever manage to take off your bra and socks in quick succession, let me tell you, it’s a high you’ll be chasing for quite some time! ha! And yes the proposal…. after I managed a YES!! the next thing I said was, “way to play the long game!”. hahaha.
01. The most interesting person you’ve ever met (can’t say your spouse/significant other). My dad. He spent 2 years in the Marines and 26 in the Air Force, got his engineering degree, raised 4 kids with my mom, retired, and worked his way into a retirement side-gig of home estimating. He’s next-level smart (we’ve been begging him to go on Jeopardy for years, to no avail!), loves 60s music, is insatiably curious, and has more hobbies and interests than time. I aim to be more like him everyday.
02. Best socks. No particular brand, but if they have extra built-in cushion in the heel and toe, I’m in!
03. A la Cup of Jo: the coziest corner in your house. A corner of our sectional where you can see outside, the living room, and kitchen all at once. I can fit head to toe in its length. The best naps are born in that corner.
04. Last thing you ate. Balsamic grilled chicken, broccoli, mashed potatoes, and a slice of cheesecake. Work travel can have its perks!
05. Most overrated food and most underrated food. Fudge is overrated and the only thing I don’t like about Christmas. Banana peppers and dill relish are underrated and punch up anything you put them in.
06. Bury me in _____. The company of my husband and family!
07. Hyperfixation outfit. Not an out-in-public option, but a coordinating set of Nordstrom-brand pajamas that are the softest I’ve ever worn. I’m working toward getting them in every color available.
08. Favorite movie soundtrack. Pride & Prejudice. A few honorable mentions: You’ve Got Mail, The Parent Trap, Harry Potter, and as of late, the music from The Peanuts (is there anything more nostalgic)?
09. Something weird you like about your spouse/significant other. The way he looks in scrubs. Also, how he puts crushed red pepper on almost everything – because it’s just him.
Agree on the fudge – does anyone like it?? Banana peppers are SO GOOD. Love.
“The way he looks in scrubs” — meep!
xx
01. I suppose in terms of name recognition, Peter Townsend, Princess Margaret’s thwarted suitor. I au-paired in France when I was 19, and my au-pair mother’s brother married his daughter. The wedding was at his country estate outside of Paris and it was a very elegant affair. I remember in particular the food, which was catered by Maxim’s. I spoke to him very briefly, while chasing some energetic page boys who ran in on him finalizing his speech for the reception!
02. Love my Smartwool socks! These are a stocking stuffer every Christmas for the entire family.
03. The coziest corner in my house would have to be the sofa in my living room, with a fire blazing in the fireplace, looking out the large picture window at a snowy landscape (I live in Minnesota).
04. The last thing I ate was a full “classic American” breakfast with my husband and son this morning.
05. Most overrated food: spinach. Ugh. Most underrated food: parsnips.
06. Scatter my ashes on Banna Strand, County Kerry, Ireland. So many happy childhood memories of playing on the beach in the summertime. I try to visit every time I go home.
07. My current hyperfixation outfit is a light grey or oatmeal cashmere crewneck sweater, slightly cropped wide-leg jeans and brown leather loafers.
08. My favorite movie soundtracks (I cannot pick just one) are The Thomas Crown Affair (1999), It’s Complicated, Chocolat, and Immortal Beloved.
09. If I’m being completely honest, I probably find some of my husband’s quirks more irritating than endearing. I’m quite sure he would say the same about me! However, given that we celebrated our 28th anniversary this year, it’s safe to say that we have learned to accept each other’s idiosyncrasies as part of the person we love.
I want to be in your cozy corner!!! Sounds delightful 🙂 A dreamy place to read I’d imagine. Parsnips are also amazing!
xx
As ever, love these prompts, Jen! ❤️
01. The most interesting person you’ve ever met (can’t say your spouse/significant other). So many! I don’t know if this is symptomatic of my background as a journalist yet I do feel like every person is interesting. Pushed, I would say my husband’s godfather. He’s had many, many lives, from being born in Hong Kong to relocating to Sydney, gaining a BA in order to become an emergency room doctor, then living between Australia and Canada, taking multiple expeditions to Antarctica, hiking every single day, and being an avid photographer. His whole values system is about grabbing life with both hands while also leaving room for adventure.
02. Best socks. Smartwool! I’ve been wearing a haul of pairs almost every day for three years. Obsessed. Especially my crew set for running and workouts. Absolute game changer.
03. A la Cup of Jo: the coziest corner in your house. Newly, our bed! We’ve been progressively upgrading everything since an international relocation and now it’s so luxe and everything is the comfiest, cosiest, and most restorative. Many dollars spent but so, so, so worth it. It’s hotel room good now.
04. Last thing you ate. Soft boiled eggs, toasted Georgian shoti bread (similar to Turkish bread) with butter, salt flakes, and Thai sriracha.
05. Most overrated food and most underrated food. Overrated — mashed potatoes (I know, truly an unpopular opinion); underrated — glass roasted chat potatoes. Roasted potatoes over every other potato, every single time.
06. Bury me in _____. I feel sick answering this question because I’m terrified of death — those of people I love and my own. The unknown of it scares me so much. I will just say, in nature, wherever there are trees and wildflowers, near the sea.
07. Hyperfixation outfit. Recently, a merino striped turtleneck, vintage high-waist jeans, black ankle cowboy boots, burgundy vintage waxed Barbour with black contrast collar, black winged eyeliner, berry lip, and Jo Malone Hinoki & Cedarwood cologne intense (new for Autumn!).
08. Favorite movie soundtrack. For work, a mix of Interstellar, Tenet, and Only Lovers Left Alive. For childhood retro, swooning with my husband, and kitchen — wine-in-hand — dance party vibes, The Big Chill…it’s flawless.
09. Something weird you like about your spouse/significant other. How he wears a backpack. In the past I’d tease him about always wearing a backpack and how it was “turtle life”, way back in 2008. Now I love seeing him wearing his backpack, getting ready to go places, and the level of organisation in the whole system. He’s the ultimate partner in crime.
“I do feel like every person is interesting” — wow! Major green flag! Just the kind of gal I want around and lucky to have you in this community 🙂
“How he wears a backpack.” OMG this is too good.
xx
01. The most interesting person you’ve ever met (can’t say your spouse/significant other): probably my dad, and probably because HE is interested in so many things. Originally enrolled in a private Christian college but dropped out to pursue the Marines before finding his true love of flying. He took the “scenic route” back to school, ultimately finishing Undergrad in his late-20s while simultaneously serving in the Air National Guard. As life progressed, he navigated airplanes “part time” while working as a full-time engineer during the day and dad to four kids at night. He once owned a Harley Davidson motorcycle (before my mom made him sell it) and our childhood home was full of treasures he brought home from overseas. Over the years, he has intensely studied languages (Greek, Hebrew, German), Ancient Egypt, meteorology, and WW2 (even now at age 65, he takes online collegiate Hebrew courses). He’s fascinated by UFOs and loves old TV shows (s/o Star Trek), movies, and music. He researches and collects beautiful leather-bound Bibles of varying colors that he intends to gift to future grandchildren. He can cook exactly one dish – clam chowder – and in his retirement, he’s happened into self-employment as a custom home estimator. His memory is sharp as a tack, he’s extremely witty, and even still, I continue learning new things about him each time we’re together.
02. Best socks: the mix-matched black ankle socks that carry me along my daily walks (though I sense Gen Z may be converting me to crew socks soon…)
03. The coziest corner in your house: my bed at the end of a long day… propped against my Purple pillow and paperweighted by Merritt, my 80 lb Golden Retriever
04. Last thing you ate: at least 10 Hershey Kisses
05. Most overrated food and most underrated food: Most overrated – anything coated in truffle. Scent is by far the weakest of my five senses, and yet I can somehow smell truffle from a mile away. I’ve seen it all – truffle popcorn, truffle ravioli, truffle mashed potatoes, truffle French fries – and still, not impressed. Most underrated – fresh cut cucumbers, especially in a Greek salad with an olive oil-based dressing.
06. Bury me in _____: my mother’s hug. In all my life, no other place has ever felt so comforting.
07. Hyperfixation outfit: anything as long as it’s paired with my Mignonne Gavigan “Madeline” earrings (the best diversion from my often-underwhelming ponytail).
08. Favorite movie soundtrack: Pride & Prejudice (2005) or Little Women (1994)
09. Something weird you like about your spouse/significant other: How warmly and effortlessly he hollers a big “Hello!” to each neighbor we pass on evening walks, even if they aren’t looking our direction. I love to ride on the coattails of his extroversion.
Braeden, this made me weepy: “Bury me in _____: my mother’s hug. In all my life, no other place has ever felt so comforting.” Amen.
“Riding on the coattails of his extroversion” — omg!
xx
My buddy Laura is the most interesting person I’ve ever met, both because she’s so interested in others’ interests, and her own run deep and wide. She’s the kind of friend you tell all your other friends about, even those who will never meet her. And she’s the best texter!
Best socks: so I switch socks every few years, but my thing is they all have to match so that I’m not wasting my one wild and precious life matching socks. Each of my kids and my husband have just one kind of sock for daily wear, with a few dress socks tucked away for with suits. Currently it’s white crew socks with a black stripe from H&M. Falke is excellent but I’m not doing a whole drawer full.
Coziest corner: we call our terrace the “Nutcracker Lounge” in the winter. We cover our outdoor couches in beige faux fur and add crocheted throws to snuggle with. The table gets Swedish candle lanterns that spin and flicker with silver snowflakes, a Paine’s Balsam incense log cabin burner, and we put out our villeroy & boch Christmas china and have cappuccinos and hot chocolates out there in the crisp night air. Or my toddler’s room at night, snuggled up all four of us on his king sized floor mattress, looking at his art and pictures by lamplight while we read the kids stories under a quilt.
I just had a square of Lindt with hazelnuts with my iced coffee. Our city’s Halloween celebration was yesterday, and my toddler got a full size chocolate bar from a neighbor before we even left the building! I let the kids open it for breakfast since I’m a soft touch.
Overrated: churros. I’ve had good, fresh, hot versions and it’s just not my thing, texturally. Underrated: applesauce. I’m in my small children era so we always have it around, and it hits every time. Or rutabaga! Cook it until soft in salted water, purée with milk and white pepper, and watch it eclipse the mashed potatoes.
Bury me with my husband. I don’t care where in the world but I’ve made it clear if I go first he has to cremate me and bring me with him. Even if he gets a new wife! She’s welcome too but I’ve gotta be in the mix. I realize this is ridiculous but I tell him all the time.
Hyperfixation outfit: I’ve been wearing H&M tennis skirts with Max Mara cropped sweaters and my Dorsey petite Bessette tennis necklace, black and white Dior sunglasses. I have this outfit in at least 3 colors, wore with sneakers all summer and now in fall have added over knee boots and a top layer. It’s a good mix of dressed up and washable while chasing two kids and looks great with my black & white houndstooth Artipoppe.
Movie Soundtrack: my parents used to dance me around to the Cocktail soundtrack as a baby! I’m gonna say The Duchess though.
Something weird I like about my spouse: I like that he’s aging? I think we tend to fetishize youth in our culture but the fact that he needs glasses now, he’s bigger and hairier and has silver temples and laugh lines is so so so attractive to me.
Such great responses — you know your Nutcracker Lounge is something of a legend in the Magpie parts. I’ve had several people email me asking for details 🙂
Interesting point about fetishizing youth! I also love Landon exactly where he is now, with smile lines and gray in his beard. I think he looks distinguished!
xx
You’re kidding! That really tickles me.
01. The most interesting person you’ve ever met: my stepkids (really, they are my children). They’re teenagers and I’ve been in their lives for almost 11 years, and they teach me new things every day (not just things like the Costco Guys universe or Brandy Melville’s pajama pants — they have also expanded my heart and mind exponentially). I never (well, rarely, ha) tire of hanging out and talking to them! They have different personalities but they are each so smart and funny.
02. Best socks: Current obsession is Le Bon Shoppe Girlfriend socks (the quarter-length ones!) — they are cushy and comfortable and perfectly athletic-chic. I am a real sock-head so some other all-time favorite brands are Kapital, Anonymous Ism, and Falke. Beck Sondergaard make the best thin, sparkly socks! And Muji’s the best for simple and inexpensive socks.
03. Coziest corner in your house: our living room, which is a slightly surprising answer for two reasons: 1) my desk is in there and normally I prefer a complete physical separation between my work and relaxation spaces; and 2) our sofa is not the most comfortable (it’s from Floyd and was chosen mainly because it’s modular and can fit up our 1895 staircase!) That said, the vibes at night are lovely — perfect low lighting, multiple exposures with a great view, and we listen to records, watch films, and read books there 🙂
04. Last thing you ate: VERY atypical, but I DoorDashed a burrito bowl as I am traveling tonight!
05. Most overrated food and most underrated food: Most overrated would be fried food (it has always made me feel shitty and that makes sense, as I have celiac! Aside from that, it’s never been worth the calories to me — I’d rather have a burger or chocolate mousse!) Most underrated: horseradish (on my mind because I had a delicious lettuce-wrapped burger with Swiss, sautéed mushrooms, and horseradish sauce last night) and oysters — I don’t really know how disliked they are, as I live in a coastal place where they’re ubiquitous, but I LOVE THEM. “Like kissing the sea on the mouth.” – Léon-Paul Fargue
06. Bury me in _____: continuing the theme of the last question, I’ll go literal and say the ocean! I DO NOT want to be buried in the ground; all I want is to be cremated and scattered in salt water! Preferably in the Atlantic off of Chatham, MA, with all the great whites.
07. Hyperfixation outfit: it’s that time of year where I make a 180 from sundresses and caftans into more androgynous, classic looks. Today I wore a dark brown cropped alpaca sweater, cotton under layer, Levi’s Made in Japan Barrel jeans, chocolate brown socks, and dark brown croc loafers. This is a common formula for me in the fall.
08. Favorite movie soundtrack: Out of Africa was mine as a toddler (I literally wore out my parents’ cassette tape listening to it at bedtime every night!) — but since you already mentioned that, I’ll add two by Cliff Martinez: Solaris and Spring Breakers (yes, that one!) I love his instrumentals.
09. Something weird you like about your spouse/significant other: not sure if this is necessarily weird, but I love how his speech changes slightly when we visit his family. They live in a very different part of the country and I love hearing his childhood accent come out <3
Been hearing such good things about those Bon Shoppe socks! Wanting to try.
Also YES. We love horseradish! You might also like mustard lettuce/leaf (raw) — it is peppery in the same way as horseradish. YUM.
Love your husband’s accent coming out – such a sweet way to catch a glimpse into his childhood!
Ooohhh, will add mustard lettuce to my next shopping list! I do love anything in the mustard/horseradish/wasabi profile.
Also, re: Le Bon Shoppe, I have found that they’re increasingly easy to find at little boutiques like Isalis in NYC or +COOP in LA. I just checked their stockists list and it looks like there might be a few retailers in DC & nearby towns that carry them, if you want to check them out in person!
xx
Thanks for the tip!! xx
01. The most interesting person you’ve ever met (can’t say your spouse/significant other). The mother of my husbands childhood best friend (stay with me)- She was born old NY money, raised on the UES, attended Spence, had a family weekend country house upstate- but became disillusioned in the 60s and eloped with a poet to marry and live in a commune. She had children, ended that marriage. Married again but that dissolved as well. She researched the least expensive place to buy land and moved to Appalachia. She met her next husbands and had her remaining children. She lived farm to table raising her children in Appalachian fashion (of note- her children are the most ecclectic, sophisticated, brilliant humans and I adore them all) . She opened a restaurant that was wildly successful, sent her kids off to boarding schools all over the country, sold her restaurant. She moved to the Caribbean to sail, then to Mexico to live in color, now back to the town where I first met her to open the MOST chic clothing store. She so open and warm and authentic and welcoming. Every time we’re together it feels like a gift and a lesson in je ne sais quoi- because whatever *it* is she has it!!
02. Best socks. Balega bluster resist is my top choice for running.
03. A la Cup of Jo: the coziest corner in your house. The reading chair corner of my bedroom with tons of windows next to a wood stove.
04. Last thing you ate. Birria quesadillas.
05. Most overrated food and most underrated food. Overrated- risotto (it’s just rice with a glow up). Underrated- arugula. Spicy, bite sized, easy to grow, and compliments almost every protein.
06. Bury me in _____. Sequins. Then go put some on yourself and celebrate my life the way I want it remembered!!!
07. Hyperfixation outfit. Wide leg drawstring silk trousers with a fitted cashmere sweater in the same hue. It works around the house but can transition to a dinner out with a change of shoes and almost no effort (honestly what I need in Q1 of back to school with elementary kids).
08. Favorite movie soundtrack. Last of the Mohicans, hands down
09. Something weird you like about your spouse/significant other. Well, we have lots in common so we always have something to talk about together….but I LOVE when he tells me about farm equipment (his grandfather had a working farm), heavy road equipment (that same grandfather worked for the state road dept), and metal working (his other grandfather worked for the railroad).
OK, this sounds like a dream: “The reading chair corner of my bedroom with tons of windows next to a wood stove.” !!! Can I invite myself over to read there for an afternoon?
On the equipment comment (in re: something random you find appealing about your S.O.) — my sisters and I have a longstanding joke about how we find any person with expertise in a niche area innately attractive. It started when my sister was making heart eyes at a fishmonger who knew seemingly everything about seafood and now it’s ballooned into this whole long joke. But I can see it! Any time someone has this intricate branch of knowledge they carry with them is so attractive!
xx
Ha! C’mon over- I’ll loan out my corner while on holiday at the nutcracker lounge!!!
Be there in five —
01. The most interesting person you’ve ever met (can’t say your spouse/significant other).: This is a hard one, I work for a private family foundation, and some of the board members are fascinating however, a former boss of mine during my internship years was the most interesting. I was interning for an international non-profit, and she was running the DC advocacy side of the shop, but her background and real interest was in nuclear policy. She taught me a lot, and I will always appreciate her taking the time.
02. Best socks.: A mix! I bought a bunch of Old Navy trouser socks for daily wear, they are great with sneakers and loafers but as it gets colder I reach more for my Darn Tough and Smartwool options.
03. A la Cup of Jo: the coziest corner in your house.: My couch, I keep a cozy blanket to curl up with on the arm.
04. Last thing you ate.: Leftover pasta bolognese with a glass of red wine, but I did go out for a martini after so perhaps the martini is technically the last thing.
05. Most overrated food and most underrated food.: Overrated, a pumpkin spice latte, I just don’t get it! Underrated, really good salt & pepper potato chips, they make such a good snack with cocktails/wine/cocktails/champagne.
06. Bury me in _____.: My immediate thought was cashmere, but after reading other replies locationally Prague.
07. Hyperfixation outfit.: Suede Penelope Chilvers ankle boots, kick crop Gap jeans (faded black), belt, t-shirt and cashmere pullover (color dependent on mood but probably black)
08. Favorite movie soundtrack.: 2005 Pride & Prejudice! Dawn is the most beautiful track, it instantly transports me to the opening scene, just stunning.
09. Something weird you like about your spouse/significant other.: Currently single, so will take a pass on this one
So many fellow P&P soundtrack fans! Agree with you; Dawn is the most spectacular track. Also, your meal the other night = perfect. Pasta, red wine, martini — yes yes yes.
xx
01. The most interesting person you’ve ever met (can’t say your spouse/significant other).
Within the last year, I met the owner of a cast iron pan business through work. He is one of those people who has lived a very rich life and has a story for just about anything. Extremely interesting path into owning his cast iron business and how he came into that industry.
02. Best socks.
Thinner wool socks are hands down the best. I love the Smartwool zero cushion or the Wideopen brand that is made by Darn Tough.
03. A la Cup of Jo: the coziest corner in your house.
It’s more of a room, but I am very proud of how cozy our family room feels. I started curating art and decor pieces when I first got married 11 years ago and things just now feel complete, I love the vibe in that room.
04. Last thing you ate.
Chili with sour cream and cheese on top.
05. Most overrated food and most underrated food.
Most overrated food is any kind of fancy salad bowl. Most underrated food has to be roasted bone marrow over a piece of sourdough.
06. Bury me in _____.
I think of a place. Has to be in the mountains of Colorado.
07. Hyperfixation outfit.
Currently pregnant so right now I am hyperfixated on all the things I cannot wear, of course.
08. Favorite movie soundtrack.
Hans Zimmer’s score for the “The Holiday”
09. Something weird you like about your spouse/significant other.
He has this innate ability to get the silliest songs or ditties stuck in my head.
Roasted bone marrow! BAM! My husband will love this response – can’t wait to read it to him.
Hang in there on the pregnancy clothing woes – I know how tough it gets toward the end!!
xx
01. The most interesting person you’ve ever met (can’t say your spouse/significant other). Maybe my cousin. He’s an engineer, a pilot, and he ran the family business before selling it recently. Pretty sure he can fix any mechanical problem. He and his wife and 3 (small, at the time) children lived on a converted tugboat for a brief time! Now they live in a house but have a converted research vessel complete with crane (for rope-swinging into Lake Michigan of course). He is never afraid to voice his strong opinions and is always up for a good time. In high school, he drove an old beater with his school’s logo painted on the hood and Christmas lights (in the 90s before battery powered string lights). He used to visit me at college and if we went to a party, he’d be over working the keg and meeting everyone within about 5 minutes. He drives fast and takes chances, as they say, and is one of the most generous people I know.
02. Best socks. I have a pair of fair isle socks from bombas that I LOVE but can’t find on their site to reorder! Other Bombas I have are too loose.
03. A la Cup of Jo: the coziest corner in your house. My bed? I’m always grateful to tuck myself in for some reading time before bedtime.
04. Last thing you ate. Sprouted toast with almond butter, flax and sunflower seeds. Sautéed kale with leftover chicken apple sausage, Swiss and avocado. Black coffee!
05. Most overrated food and most underrated food. Overrated – pumpkin spice anything. Unless it’s an actual pumpkin pie/bread/muffin/etc. Underrated – to piggyback on your last meal, Brussels sprouts get such a bad rap but are delicious roasted with garlic and bacon!
06. Bury me in…I immediately thought Georgia lol.
07. Hyperfixation outfit. Madewell kick crops, striped tee, bright green suede pumas.
08. Favorite movie soundtrack. Hmmm, not really into soundtracks, but I do love the Vince Guaraldi music from the Charlie Brown Christmas special.
09. Something weird you like about your spouse/significant other. How he wears a ball cap.
The ballcap thing – yes!!
xx
01. The most interesting person you’ve ever met (can’t say your spouse/significant other). The mother of my husband’s childhood best friend (stay with me here). She was born into old NY money, went to Spence and all that, grew up on the UES with a country home upstate…..in the 60s as a young woman she decided she hated the whole scene and ran away to get married with a poet and live in a commune. They had children then divorced. She had small children and no support system so looked for the least expensive place to live and moved to Appalachia where she met her next few husbands and had several more children. She raised them in Appalachia fashion- barefoot and farm to table- they were feral children (and now the most cultured eclectic group of adults, I adore them all). She learned how to grow and cook and sustain while raising her babies. She opened the most gorgeous restaurant in the little town where I first met her which was wildly successful. She raised her kids and sent them to boarding prep schools all over the country. She sold her gorgeous restaurant and moved to the Caribbean to sail, then to Mexico to live in color, and now back to the town where I first met her where she opened the MOST chic clothing store. She is just the most colorful and multifaceted matriarch with an adult brood just as fascinating and satisfying and fulfilling to talk to and be around. Every time I’m with her it feels like a compliment and a lesson in je ne sais quoi.
02. Best socks. You’re spot on- Darn Tough are excellent but for running Balega Blister Resist slightly edges them out for me.
03. A la Cup of Jo: the coziest corner in your house. My bedroom reading chair corner next to the wood stove and surrounded by windows.
04. Last thing you ate. So far only black coffee this morning…. but actual food was Birria quesadilla last night.
05. Most overrated food and most underrated food. Overrated- Risotto. It’s just rice with a glow up. Underrated- Arugula. It is peak greens for me- peppery, excellent texture, easy to grow if you have any space at all to garden, bite sized, and pairs well with any protein. Arugula, a love affair.
06. Bury me in _____. sequins. Then go put on some sequins yourself and celebrate my life the way I always celebrated it. XOXO
07. Hyperfixation outfit. At the moment, a fitted cashmere sweater over flowy silk pants in the same color family. Somehow not too warm or too cool in this newly chilly shoulder season, monochromatic keeps it easy, and switching from flats to heels takes me from home reading a book to dinner with minimal effort (an ease I NEED in Q1 of school with elementary age kids). Very into it RN.
08. Favorite movie soundtrack. Last of the Mohicans, hands down.
09. Something weird you like about your spouse/significant other. Oooph it’s pretty weird. I’ll preface by saying that my husband and I have a lot in common so we have a LOT that we can talk about together- but I love that my husband can tell me about farm machinery and farm work (one of his grandparents had a working farm) and road machinery (that same grandfather also worked for the state road system) and big industry (his other grandfather worked on the railroad). He can tell me in great detail about thigs I know very little about and I LOVE that. He also can somehow segue a chat about tie downs for hauling farm equipment to French philosophers and it makes my life feel incredibly rounded and interesting.
01. The doctor who carried a friend through ALS – she is an accomplished scientist / researcher, avid gardener, captain of a woman’s soccer league, and could drink me under the table (women contain multitudes!).
02. Falke for dress; Barefoot Dreams for stuffing into slippers to mark the end of the day
03. We live in a 700sqft jewel-box brownstone apartment in Boston (shared with my husband, busy toddler, and an 80lb golden retriever) and the entire unit is a cozy corner. If I had to call out a specific perch, our deck looks out over a well-kept courtyard that is a seasonal snowglobe, changing colors and scents and sounds quarterly, and we live on it 8 months of the year.
04. Tomato basil bisque (made with the last of the crop harvested from our modest roof-deck crop) and an egregious grilled cheese (horseradish havarti! swiss! gouda!) sandwiched between local sourdough slices, in front of our first wood-burning fire of the season.
05. Sweet potato fries – why? Just have the real deal. Malt vinegar and fries – same question, why? You’re doing it wrong if you’re doing it without.
06. The dunes of Chappaquiddick.
07. An old, ribbed henley with belted straight-leg dark-wash denim that stands up straight after a wash; an oatmeal White and Warren wrap that was a gift and feels like a hug from mom; beaten brown leather loafers from a past life.
08. Anything Hans Zimmer; guilty pleasure, Dirty Dancing
09. The way they consume information – constantly, earnestly, unapologetically. And the layer of dried salt on his arms when he comes home from fishing.
Caitlin, your brownstone apartment and courtyard sounds absolutely delightful. And the “seasonal snowglobe” description — lovely!! If I were a friend of yours I’d invite myself over all the time (I realize that must sound creepy, haha!).
Caitlin, if you ever do a house tour somewhere please come share it with the magpies!!
Echoing other Magpies – love the description of your cozy corner apartment!! “A seasonal snowglobe” — !!! So petic!
LOL re sweet potato fries. I have to agree with that one. And you have my full vote of confidence with your commentary on malt vinegar. It’s simply the most elite combo.
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