Musings + Essays
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Magpie Icebreakers: Whimsical Midsummer Edition.

By: Jen Shoop

When my sister and her wife were in town, they offered up the most hilarious conversation prompt while we were on a long walk through our neighborhood; “Kiss, marry, or kill: farfalle, linguine, cavatappi?” This led to a very funny, mildly heated conversation about the merits and demerits of different pasta shapes, whether certain sauces can only be enjoyed on a long noodle, and more. (My sister said: “There’s only one correct answer for the kill one.” LOL.)

Drafting off that conversation, sharing a couple of whimsical icebreakers to enjoy on this still, slow August morning. (A woman should be whimsical sometimes!) These were fun to put together, and reminded me: don’t take yourself too seriously.

Here goes — answer in the comments!:

01. Kiss, marry, kill (pasta shapes): farfalle, linguini, cavatappi?

02. If I were a breakfast food, I would be…

03. Would you rather be stranded with no haircare (not even a brush) or no skincare?

04. Kiss, marry, kill (cheese): brie, sharp cheddar, halloumi?

05. Based solely on “vibe,” are you the moon, the sun, or the earth?

06. If you could have only one breakfast for the rest of your life, what would it be?

07. Based solely on “vibe,” are you Martha Stewart, Kim Kardashian, or Gwyneth Paltrow?

08. Would you rather have the same dinner every night (you choose what it is) or a rotating menu (but you have no say in what it is)?

09. Kiss, marry, kill: sweatpants, dress that fits you perfectly, designer jeans?

10. If I were a character on “Friends,” I’d be…

11. You’re in an emergency situation. Who would you rather see coming to your rescue: Mr. Rogers, Jamie Fraser, or Teyana Taylor?

****

My answers:

01. Marry linguini, kiss cavatappi, kill farfalle. (Interestingly, Landon said the same thing! We both felt that some dishes need a long noodle.)

02. If I were a breakfast food, I would be…oatmeal with honey, fruit, and nuts. Not just because I like this breakfast but because I think of it as warm, nourishing — virtues I aspire to possess — and it can also be a little bit surprising and joyful depending on what you tuck in there.

03. Would you rather be stranded with no haircare (not even a brush) or no skincare? Tough one, but no haircare. I’d need to scrub my face, apply sunscreen and moisturizer, etc.

04. Marry cheddar, kiss halloumi, kill brie. Cheddar feels highly versatile! And I’ve never been a big brie gal, so that was easy onto the chopping block.

05. The moon — quiet, peaceful, rhythmic/routine, but also can offer direction/light when needed. I relate to the waxing and waning aspect too.

06. Oatmeal with fruit, nuts, honey, and cinnamon (I guess you are what you eat — lol), a green juice/smoothie, an oat milk latte.

07. Based solely on “vibe,” are you Martha Stewart, Kim Kardashian, or Gwyneth Paltrow? Gwyneth. I love Martha but I see more of my curiosity, whole-person wellness, and community-building interests in Gwyneth.

08. Would you rather have the same dinner every night (you choose what it is) or a rotating menu (but you have no say in what it is)? Rotating menu! Easiest question of the lot.

09. Marry dress that fits me perfectly, kiss sweatpants, kill designer jeans. Right now, the last thing I want to put on my body is rigid denim?

10. If I were a character on “Friends,” I’d be…I wish I were Rachel but I’m definitely Monica.

11. Jamie. I wouldn’t hate being addressed as “sassenach” either.

Your turn!

Shopping Break.

+Trending among Magpies this week: this linen rollneck top. Great alt to a white tee.

+Donni just released another summer drop — these silk stripe cropped pants are flying. Also love these lace trim ones!

+I’m LOVING this new dress silhouette that Julia Amory just released. Feels delightfully 90s to me in shape and slink. The pattern is fresh though. SO GOOD. Use code JEN-15.

+Ooo Boll and Branch just released a new “dream duvet” that is described as “cloud like” thanks to four layers of lightweight, ultra-fine organic cotton. Swooning over it in the white.

+My sister, though, said the only sheets they use are the ones from Riley Home, which I’d never even heard of! She said they are ultra crisp and cool. I actually like a variety of different sheets — I can get down with linen, flannel (winter), crisp percale, or soft cotton. They all have their merits and I like them for different reasons and seasons. She is more of a loyalist to the crisp, cool, almost starchy feeling. Sharing in case you’re in the market for a new set — my sister couldn’t speak more highly of this brand! I still find the B&B signature washed my favorite right now. Soft and breathable.

+Marine Layer has some fetching new arrivals, starting with these polka dot Donni-like pants, this denim chore jacket (the copy is compelling: “Just when you thought you couldn’t love denim jackets more, we went and made this amazingly soft one”), and this reversible (!) raglan tee. I love shirts like the latter one, which can be worn on their own or as a mid or top layer. I like to mix pieces like that in with athleisure.

+OK, stop, this new windbreaker is SO GOOD. Love the idea of pairing it with a polished outfit for a little aesthetic friction. (Could we expand the “wrong shoe” theory to a “wrong jacket” theory?). I also think this would be a practical pick for travel. Layer over athletic wear or casual day wear and meet the elements wherever they are.

+Soldout also just released a new short sleeved polo that I find extremely chic (imagine paired with a slip skirt) as well as a tank dress in that Hermes-coded taupe color I love, PLUS an oversized/boxy tee in the same hue. Use code jenshoop for 15% off sitewide!

+While in London/Norway, I wore these M. Gemi sneakers in the latte color an absolute ton. Super comfortable, dressy enough to work with a dress/nicer jeans look but also functional enough to pair with leggings or sweats for more casual applications. I also wore these on all travel/plane days. They are a perfect dressy sneaker. I will say that in Norway, Adidas Sambas (in black/white) reign supreme and I truly wish I’d packed my pair because they’re a little more practical for the often-rainy, marshy conditions (not as great to be trekking around with my sueded pair). This made me realize that the Samba would be a great “European adventure / European summer” shoe because they can handle more inclement weather, are still on-trend, and can be dressed up or down.

+Can’t believe these are still in stock in all three colors. The perfect finishing touch to a casual outfit!

+Take such joy in my matcha set. Pretty enough to keep out on the counter, but also highly functional. We’ll make a matcha latte in the afternoons when we need a little pick me up. I find all the Fellow products superior in design and aesthetics. Landon and I are still in love with our precision coffee maker! This is one of the only things Landon has ever asked to buy when we had a perfectly good solution already in place. He’s very much a “research and buy one thing that lasts a very long time” person but we had a Moccamaster before (which we loved!) and he really wanted to upgrade to this. We’re hooked on it.

+My favorite body lotion of all time. I have this on auto-ship (and decanted for our trip into a smaller capsule) because I am addicted to the scent and the quality is insane relative to price. Packed with great ingredients. Just ordered the sensorial body wash too! This line is viral for a reason — deeply impressive quality and relatively affordable. They have other scents, too (I also like bergamot a lot), but I’m hooked on Neroli. Noticed they bundle all their neroli products into this discounted set, which I’d order but I’m not interested in the deodorant!

+This $59 crochet dress is giving major Gucci vibes.

+I mentioned this yesterday, but Ruti launched their perfect pants in a few colors/patterns for fall, and I kept thinking about those leopard ones and had to grab a pair. I have a feeling these will sell through. So unexpected, and I love the stripe detail down the side. Imagine with great flats and a black crewneck.

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23 Comments
Aoife
Aoife
19 days ago

Always love these, Jen!

01. Kiss, marry, kill (pasta shapes): farfalle, linguini, cavatappi?
Kill cavatappi, kiss linguini, marry farfalle (we eat a lot of farfalle because it works so well with the deconstructed roast vegetable pastas a lot! But my real spouse is going to be an egg tagliatelle…)

02. If I were a breakfast food, I would be…
Eggs + avocado + greens + chilli crisp — on their own or with any carb. Double espresso. Nurturing, grounding, and equal parts exploratory and ritual-oriented.

03. Would you rather be stranded with no haircare (not even a brush) or no skincare?
I have incredibly curly hair so frequently the haircare/brush situation is kind of negligible (praise be a silk scarf, claw clip. hat…). Skincare is non-negotiable, especially La Roche Posay Anthelios 50+.

04. Kiss, marry, kill (cheese): brie, sharp cheddar, halloumi?
Oooooh kill halloumi, kiss brie, marry sharp cheddar!

05. Based solely on “vibe,” are you the moon, the sun, or the earth?
Moon. I won’t get into the astrology chart of it all but as an Aquarius, I’m such a luna girl/connected to water and air. I really feel like someone who thrives when they have the spaciousness to ebb and flow, honour phases and dynamic spiritual prompts, and be present in whatever the moment holds. I love how the moon feels connected to the earth and sun while still existing in its own orbital mode.

06. If you could have only one breakfast for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Sandwich of Cork English Market bagel toasted and buttered, two free-range eggs double-fried with smoked cheddar tucked between them, avocado, arugula, and Ballymaloe tomato relish.
If I’m in Australia, sub the bagel for kalamata sourdough from Woolworths.
On Sundays/before hiking, add bacon + basil pesto.
Double espresso with Arabica beans and one sugar, water carafe, and a final side of Athletic Greens. Also on Sundays, my second double espresso will come with an almond croissant or vanilla cannoli or freshly-baked palmier.

07. Based solely on “vibe,” are you Martha Stewart, Kim Kardashian, or Gwyneth Paltrow?
Gwyneth? Tbh, none of these is my vibe. I think I might actually be a Meghan or a Drew?

08. Would you rather have the same dinner every night (you choose what it is) or a rotating menu (but you have no say in what it is)?
Same dinner: either vegetarian Thali with dahl, greens, pickles, rice, and bread OR a Greek tasting board with Greek salad and Retsina from our favourite taverna on Crete.

09. Kiss, marry, kill: sweatpants, dress that fits you perfectly, designer jeans?
Kill the sweatpants, kiss the jeans (Everlane or vintage denim, pls), marry the dress. If the sweatpants were linen, I would be open to negotiating on positions.

10. If I were a character on “Friends,” I’d be…
Phoebe? But honestly, none of the above.

11. You’re in an emergency situation. Who would you rather see coming to your rescue: Mr. Rogers, Jamie Fraser, or Teyana Taylor?
Ooof, Jamie for the hot Scot of it all though I feel that we’d butt heads. Happy to tolerate the Sassenach of it all.

xx

Last edited 19 days ago by Aoife
Suzanne
Suzanne
19 days ago

Fun!!

1. Marry linguine since I have no idea what the other 2 are. I just never learned to enjoy pasta. It’s always seemed like chewing goo that’s got a lot of carbs and calories.
2. Breakfast food: toasted homemade sourdough bread with real butter.
3. I cannot be without skin care! I’m loving Besque Facial Oil right now. Anyways, I will have to sacrifice my hair I guess.
4. Tough since I love cheese but marry sharp cheddar, kiss halloumi, kill Brie
5. Sun- I try to stay positive no matter the situation and have a “sunny” outlook.
6. Fresh cut up pineapple with quality large curd, full fat cottage cheese. Very satisfying!
7. Martha! The other 2 are annoying.Have we not seen enough of “boyfriend breakfasts”?
8. Same dinner every night. I was forced to sit at the dinner table when I was a kid until I ate boiled okra, beets with that awful red juice, etc. There is no way I want someone else to choose what I must eat. I would rather not eat.
9. Actually I don’t want any of these clothes but if pushed well fitting dress, sweatpants and then designer jeans.
10. Monica
11. No idea who Teyana or Jamie are…. I rarely watch tv. Love Mr Rogers! He would definitely get me out of a jam!

Courtney
Courtney
19 days ago

01. Marry cavatappi, kiss linguine, kill farfalle.

02. If I were a breakfast food, I would be oatmeal with fruit and honey or granola it’s comfort in a bowl a warm hug on a chilly morning. It’s the breakfast of my childhood that leave comforting homey memories when I dig into a bowl of oatmeal. It’s home.

03. Would you rather be stranded with no haircare (not even a brush) or no skincare? Tough one, but no haircare. I barley do my hair care routine as is ( I know I know insert shocked emoji face)

04. Marry cheddar, kiss Brie, kill halloumi .

05. The sun for sure because I’m a Leo and there a lot of fire there. Happy in the sun warming and loyal.

06. Eggs soft scrambled or over easy I do love some eggs toast and fruit in the am sometimes a bagel or a biscuit with fresh strawberry jam

07. Based solely on “vibe,” are you Martha Stewart, Kim Kardashian, or Gwyneth Paltrow? Mixture of Martha & Gwyneth. Martha because I love home making plus feel my way is the best way & Gwyneth because of her curiosity of life long learning and discovery

08. Would you rather have the same dinner every night (you choose what it is) or a rotating menu (but you have no say in what it is) same dinner because I can choose what it is .

09. Marry dress that fits me perfectly, kiss designer jeans, kill sweatpants. Not a fan of sweatpants.

10. If I were a character on “Friends,” I’d be Rachel or maybe Monica not sure haven’t watched in forever

11. Jamie hands down. A hot Scott yes please in tartan and the accent please come save me

Joyce
Joyce
19 days ago

Only time to answer one before camp pickup, but I’m a proud Phoebe 🙂 I once had a guy years ago accuse me of being a “Phoebe” of our friend group at the time as if it were a bad thing. I was offended at first, but then in rewatching the show, I think you can make the case that she is refreshingly not self-absorbed and a great friend! I now take his long-ago insult as a compliment 🙂

Joyce
Joyce
19 days ago
Reply to  Jen Shoop

I love that!! 🙂 xoxo

Megan
Megan
19 days ago

01. Kiss, marry, kill (pasta shapes): farfalle, linguini, cavatappi? Marry cavatappi, kiss linguini, kill farfalle.

02. If I were a breakfast food, I would be… Cornmeal pancakes with lemon blueberry sauce. A friend and I once discussed this exact question and this is what she said for me, and I think it’s correct! I also love to make/eat these.

03. Would you rather be stranded with no haircare (not even a brush) or no skincare? No haircare because I wouldn’t want to be without sunscreen.

04. Kiss, marry, kill (cheese): brie, sharp cheddar, halloumi? Marry sharp cheddar, kiss brie, kill halloumi.

05. Based solely on “vibe,” are you the moon, the sun, or the earth? Earth.

06. If you could have only one breakfast for the rest of your life, what would it be? This is so tough because I love breakfast, but probably a egg & cheese sandwich of some kind with cinnamon tea.

07. Based solely on “vibe,” are you Martha Stewart, Kim Kardashian, or Gwyneth Paltrow? Martha Stewart. I try a lot and I’m not afraid to let people see that!

08. Would you rather have the same dinner every night (you choose what it is) or a rotating menu (but you have no say in what it is)? I hate to say it, but probably the same dinner. I’m a reformed picky eater, but I still have some textural food issues so I would hate to not have a say.

09. Kiss, marry, kill: sweatpants, dress that fits you perfectly, designer jeans? Marry dress that fits me perfectly, kiss sweatpants, kill jeans.

10. If I were a character on “Friends,” I’d be… I have only consumed two episodes of Friends in my life (!) but that’s enough to know that I’m Monica.

11. You’re in an emergency situation. Who would you rather see coming to your rescue: Mr. Rogers, Jamie Fraser, or Teyana Taylor? Jamie Fraser, closely follow by Mr. Rogers

Venia
Venia
19 days ago

01. Kiss, marry, kill (pasta shapes): farfalle, linguini, cavatappi? Kiss linguini, marry cavatappi, kill farfalle. But here’s my question – why all the hate for farfalle? What is its best use-case? Also I have little children at home, which drives the cavatappi priority; if I were choosing for myself I’d go with linguini.

02. If I were a breakfast food, I would be… A raggedy revueltos with lots of vegetables in it.

03. Would you rather be stranded with no haircare (not even a brush) or no skincare? No haircare – without moisturizer my face is just painful.

04. Kiss, marry, kill (cheese): brie, sharp cheddar, halloumi? Kill halloumi, marry sharp cheddar (any cheddar!), kill brie.

05. Based solely on “vibe,” are you the moon, the sun, or the earth? The moon.

06. If you could have only one breakfast for the rest of your life, what would it be? I LOVE BREAKFAST. This is a really hard thing to narrow down because everything everyone has said here sounds so good. Can I have the biggest breakfast buffet ever?

07. Based solely on “vibe,” are you Martha Stewart, Kim Kardashian, or Gwyneth Paltrow? Martha Stewart.

08. Would you rather have the same dinner every night (you choose what it is) or a rotating menu (but you have no say in what it is)? A rotating menu that I have no say in what it is is basically my dream scenario, ha. I often dream of going to a great restaurant where there’s no choices to make.

09. Kiss, marry, kill: sweatpants, dress that fits you perfectly, designer jeans? Kiss designer jeans, marry the dress, kill the sweatpants. But that last one is hard…can I bring them back if I’m pregnant??

10. If I were a character on “Friends,” I’d be… Never watched an episode of Friends!

11. You’re in an emergency situation. Who would you rather see coming to your rescue: Mr. Rogers, Jamie Fraser, or Teyana Taylor? I had to Google Jamie and Teyana, so I’m going with Mr. Rogers. But depending on the emergency, Jamie Fraser seems like he might be more valuable than Mr. Rogers…

Stephanie
Stephanie
20 days ago

01. Kiss, marry, kill (pasta shapes): farfalle, linguini, cavatappi? I am so not a pasta person! Had to think really hard to picture cavatappi and farfalle. I’ll marry banza spaghetti which is the only pasta I’ve made for several years.

02. If I were a breakfast food, I would be…homemade scones, crispy bacon, black coffee.

03. Would you rather be stranded with no haircare (not even a brush) or no skincare? As long as I can have a ponytail holder, I’ll go without haircare.

04. Kiss, marry, kill (cheese): brie, sharp cheddar, halloumi? Kiss Brie, marry sharp cheddar (as long as it’s white cheddar), kill halloumi.

05. Based solely on “vibe,” are you the moon, the sun, or the earth? Tough one…I feel pretty grounded so I guess the earth.

06. If you could have only one breakfast for the rest of your life, what would it be? Ezekiel sprouted bread toasted with TJs almond butter, or fancy butter and orange marmalade.

07. Based solely on “vibe,” are you Martha Stewart, Kim Kardashian, or Gwyneth Paltrow? Martha. Her cakes cookbook is my go-to, I’ve made the NY crumb coffee cake so many times it’s my brunch signature.

08. Would you rather have the same dinner every night (you choose what it is) or a rotating menu (but you have no say in what it is)? Same dinner – no food surprises please

09. Kiss, marry, kill: sweatpants, dress that fits you perfectly, designer jeans? Kiss the perfect dress, marry jeans, kill sweatpants. Jeans are my uniform fall thru spring, only wear sweats post-workout.

10. If I were a character on “Friends,” I’d be…Janice! Jk jk, probably Monica.

Caitlin
Caitlin
20 days ago

So fun, as always, to see the inner monologues of so many Magpies!

01. Kill farfalle, marry linguini, kiss cavatappi

02. If I were a breakfast food, I would be overnight oat with coconut and fresh berries – practical, nourishing, anticipatory

03. No haircare!

04. Kill brie, marry sharp cheddar, kiss halloumi

05. Based solely on “vibe,” I’m going with earth. I’m a warm autumn, so lean into the earthiness.

06. Can the buffet at a 5 star, 5 diamond property count? If not, scrambled eggs with pesto and egregious parm shavings, and a side of buttered sourdough. Freshly ground filtered coffee with half and half.

07. Gwyneth

08. Rotating menu – surprise me!

09. Marry sweatpants, kill dress that fits you perfectly, kiss designer jeans.

10. If I were a character on “Friends,” I’d be…Monica with a Chandler wing.

11. None of the above? Is that rude?

Kelly
Kelly
20 days ago

01. Kiss, marry, kill (pasta shapes): farfalle, linguini, cavatappi?
Kiss linguini, marry farfalle, kill cavatappi.
02. If I were a breakfast food, I would be…
I am buttered toast. I think it’s actually come up a few times when I’ve written bios for myself.

03. Would you rather be stranded with no haircare (not even a brush) or no skincare?
No skincare. I’d be fine. But my hair tangles if I look at it wrong.

04. Kiss, marry, kill (cheese): brie, sharp cheddar, halloumi?
Kiss Brie, marry cheddar, kill halloumi. And I love halloumi. Sorry to this man.

05. Based solely on “vibe,” are you the moon, the sun, or the earth?
The moon.

06. If you could have only one breakfast for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A toasted bagel with scallion cream cheese, crispy bacon, fresh berries. Or oatmeal with golden syrup.

07. Based solely on “vibe,” are you Martha Stewart, Kim Kardashian, or Gwyneth Paltrow?
Martha Stewart. 100%. Perhaps “trop” Martha.

08. Would you rather have the same dinner every night (you choose what it is) or a rotating menu (but you have no say in what it is)?
Same dinner. The not choosing was the worst part of Hello Fresh for me, besides the fact that it was usually more work than food I make.
09. Kiss, marry, kill: sweatpants, dress that fits you perfectly, designer jeans?
Kiss sweatpants, marry dress, kill jeans.
10. If I were a character on “Friends,” I’d be…
Probably more Monica than Phoebe
11. You’re in an emergency situation. Who would you rather see coming to your rescue: Mr. Rogers, Jamie Fraser, or Teyana Taylor?
Mister Rogers improves every situation.

PS everyone here wears Sambas too!

Sarah | Fewer & Better
Sarah | Fewer & Better
20 days ago

This is really fun and a whimsical start to Wednesday, which I truly believe should be the most whimsical day of the week.

01. Kiss, marry, kill (pasta shapes): farfalle, linguini, cavatappi?: Kiss cavatappi, marry linguini, kill farfalle (have never been a fan!)

02. If I were a breakfast food, I would be…: Lox on a toasted salt bagel with schmear. Truly NY to my core no matter where I am and not for everyone but beloved by those who love a lot of salt 🙂

03. Would you rather be stranded with no haircare (not even a brush) or no skincare?: I was going to say no skincare but you made a great point with the sunscreen… so no haircare.

04. Kiss, marry, kill (cheese): brie, sharp cheddar, halloumi?: This is super hard–I think kiss brie, marry sharp cheddar (Kerrygold please), and kill halloumi.

05. Based solely on “vibe,” are you the moon, the sun, or the earth?: Moon always.

06. If you could have only one breakfast for the rest of your life, what would it be?: The breakfast that I am 🙂 or a bacon egg and cheese on a roll with salt, pepper, and Tabasco.

07. Based solely on “vibe,” are you Martha Stewart, Kim Kardashian, or Gwyneth Paltrow?: Martha I guess but don’t really identify strongly with any of them!

08. Would you rather have the same dinner every night (you choose what it is) or a rotating menu (but you have no say in what it is)?: For how long would this go on lol? I could do a week of my favorite shepherd’s pie recipe (maybe even two!) but not forever. Though I could do the same lunch forever!

09. Kiss, marry, kill: sweatpants, dress that fits you perfectly, designer jeans? Kiss dress that fits me perfectly, marry designer jeans (Frame!), and kill sweatpants, of which I don’t even own a pair…

10. If I were a character on “Friends,” I’d be…: Monica

11. You’re in an emergency situation. Who would you rather see coming to your rescue: Mr. Rogers, Jamie Fraser, or Teyana Taylor?: Mr. Rogers!

Sarah | Fewer & Better
Sarah | Fewer & Better
19 days ago
Reply to  Jen Shoop

I will say I did just order a pair because KULE is closing and I love their things and the sweatpants were on major sale… TBD if I wear or resell them but I wanted to have the option!

Ha I’m glad you enjoyed!! xx

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