*Image via Posse — this shot makes me smile. The model is wearing this top.
While my siblings and siblings-in-law were visiting earlier this month, we had an interesting conversation about animated Disney characters, and their anthropomorphism. This led to a hilarious discussion about “the most attractive animated Disney characters.” I’m going to use this as a prompt for a new set of icebreakers to answer at your leisure in the comments. I absolutely love (!) your responses to these questions — please join in the fun whether or not you’ve commented before. (You can see earlier installments here and here.)
- Animated character crush.
- Weirdest nickname you’ve ever had.
- Something that would be better if its name were different.
- The last thing that surprised you.
- Which “Friends” character do you relate to the most?
- Do you identify more with “the misfits” or “the mainstream”?
- First thing you notice when meeting a new person.
- Meal you make when alone.
- What could you talk about for hours?
- Most quoted movie line in your house.
- Your best friend, in three words.
- “There are years that ask questions and years that answer.” – Zora Neale Hurston. Is this year asking or answering?
I will go first:
- Animated character crush. Robin Hood. Duh.
- Weirdest nickname you’ve ever had. There have been many. “Boonzie” comes to mind first.
- Something that would be better if its name were different. Shrimp. I love shrimp but hate the feeling of the word in my mouth.
- The last thing that surprised you. My three-year-old son was using the ice dispenser on the fridge (already a shock – did not know he knew how to operate it? or that he liked ice?), and a few cubes scattered across the floor. “Holy Moly,” he said. Holy Moly?! Where did he learn this?! Little rabbits have big ears. I was also surprised by how much I have enjoyed re-watching the Indiana Jones trilogy with Mr. Magpie. I watch them with an enormous grin plastered across my face — they represent the most transportive of nostalgia trips. We were talking afterwards about how much Spielberg has shaped our understanding of “the phenomenal” (be it dinosaurs, extraterrestrials, religious relics, aquatic predators, etc). Wow — what an enormous contributor he has been to the collective imagination of our generation.
- Which “Friends” character do you relate to the most? Sadly, Monica. Clean freak over here.
- Do you identify more with “the misfits” or “the mainstream”? Neither. In some ways, I am a rule-follower and conformist. In other ways, I feel I have always been a bit of an outsider — a wool-gatherer.
- First thing you notice when meeting a new person. Probably body language — do I feel immediately at ease with this person? Do I feel stiff and uncomfortable? I think I gather these clues via body posture, eye contact, etc.
- Meal you make when alone. A tartine (open-faced sandwich) using whatever we have in our fridge — avocado with feta sprinkled with a vinaigrette on top, leftover chicken with arugula and a vinaigrette on top, fried egg with sharp cheddar and a vinaigrette on top, etc. The vinaigrette on the top is key for me. One thing about me, guys: I love vinegar.
- Most quoted movie line in your house. From “Best In Show”: “You’re going to see a lot of merlot out there” and “Really shake out the arms, guys.” If you’ve never seen this movie, these will make no sense. Even if you have seen this movie, these may still make no sense. But both are completely apt responses to a startling range of questions between Mr. Magpie and I. The merlot one is good when we are processing whether or not to follow a convention that other people/friends/family members are doing, i.e., Mr. Magpie: “Do I need to wear a tie to this thing?” Me: “I don’t know, you’re going to see a lot of merlot out there.” The “arms” one is a sort of sarcastic jab when one or the other of us is in the midst of a project, cleaning something, etc.
- What could you talk about for hours? Books.
- Your best friend, in three words. Sturdy, sharp-as-a-tack, and passionate. (Mr. Magpie!)
- “There are years that ask questions and years that answer.” – Zora Neale Hurston. Is this year asking or answering? Answering, thank God.
Shopping Break.
+Chicest linen mini.
+Been into flatforms (if you can’t tell from my obsession with these sandals) — this sneaker-style pair is pretty fab, too. I would pair with a breezy white dress like this.
+Best bra ever, on sale. It’s the only underwire I wear. Otherwise I wear these inexpensive seamless racerbacks.
+OBSESSED WITH THIS BAG.
+The neighbor boys lent my children these graphic novels (there are many in the series, and some sister series, too) and mini is obsessed! She has been sketching her own comics! I just bought her this make-your-own comic booklet, but this Kid Made Modern set would be such a fun gift/rainy day activity, too.
+How cute is this $25 rug for a children’s bathroom or play area?
+Gorgeous white lace caftan. 20% off with code YOURULE.
+Clever snack organizer — would be great for an airplane ride or car trip with littles.
+Love the monogram font on this embroidered tote bag.
+Love the silhouette and color of this stick lamp from Target. All my best Target finds here.
+This ultra-chic Ulla Johnson dress is on sale!
+A caftan from Pippa Holt is #goals. Until then, this Anthro lookalike!
+Martha has a fun new boutique — love this shopping tote and these nautical platters.
+Bottega vibes, part I and Bottega vibes, part II! (Both way less expensive than actual Bottega — of which I love this tiny mini bag.)
+A closet staple, in either or both colors.
+Adore the monogram on these cocktail napkins.
+FUN statement necklace. Would look great with a white dress or tee.