A propos of “sometimes bad things just happen,”
and “not everything resolves to a fine point,”
and the happier circumstances in which the same unknowable essence of life reveals itself —
say, waking up with the first lines of an essay at the tip of your tongue,
or smiling at a stranger out of the blue,
or hitting every green light on the way to work,
or any of the other dozens of tiny windfalls that happen to us every single day with no seeming rhyme or reason —
maybe part of life is knowing when to back off from logic and let the unexpected wash over you,
lest we find ourselves shoehorning the magic into the wrong shape.
Mary Oliver has words on this that resonated:
Truly, we live with mysteries too marvelous
to be understood.
How grass can be nourishing in the
mouths of the lambs.
How rivers and stones are forever
in allegiance with gravity
while we ourselves dream of rising.
How two hands touch and the bonds will
never be broken.
How people come, from delight or the
scars of damage,
to the comfort of a poem.
Let me keep my distance, always, from those
who think they have the answers.
Let me keep company always with those who say
“Look!” and laugh in astonishment,
and bow their heads.
by Mary Oliver
Post-Scripts.
+The only marg recipe you’ll ever need. (We made these with tacos on Friday.)
+On taking your own joy seriously.
Shopping Break.
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+Reminder that Veronica Beard’s sale section is insane right now. A lot of you smartly bought this striped sundress last week — $149 and sooo good! I wore this to many special occasions last summer!
+Been doing a good job with my fitness regimen so far this month. I haven’t been able to run much thanks to snow and cold temps (if it’s less than 20 degrees outside, I just find it miserable). I’m now trying some of the Physique57 videos — have you tried? God they are hard, but I love the pace — it’s like you blink and you’re done. Anyway, constantly hunting for new fitness outfits: love this Alo tee, this $34 activewear jacket in the ice blue, and this Beyond Yoga featherweight top. I got the latter one — it’s so soft!
+My best friend always has fancy European breath mints on her, and I always pilfer from her supply when we’re together. Going to surprise her with my own (peach and pepper!) next time we are together!
+This butter yellow jacket…! I’m telling you, these retro pastels are it for spring. This Prada scarf is so gorgeous and would be a great seasonal accessory. Style with a white tee, a baby blue sweater…
+New stick lamp for my walk-in closet!
+I had the occasion to sit down (virtually) with some of the team at Vintner’s Daughter last week and they reminded me why I absolutely love their serum. Everything they do is so intentional, thoughtful, artisanal, and — most importantly — really works. Their serum is incredibly hydrating, and the quality is unmistakable. A true “fewer better” mentality: they only have three products and each takes 3-5 weeks to produce, which is unheard of in the beauty industry. I’m eager to try their essence and cleanser next. I’m currently using the three-part Outset cleanser-serum-moisturizer trio and I love that — it’s very light, gentle, delicate. Will be curious to see how the Vinter lineup compares after using something a little more minimalist / lowkey.
+I’m going to write a full review with all thoughts on my red light mask next month — I want to have been using it routinely for at least six weeks prior to publishing anything final — but I have to say one thing I’ve noticed this past week is that breakouts / abrasions / etc resolve themselves so much more quickly with regular use of the LED mask. I had a blemish on my chin that literally disappeared in two days. I think this is because it stimulates collagen production. I mean, I am astounded! (JEN10 gets you 10% off the mask I have.)
+This heart patterned sweater for Valentine’s Day! (And beyond!). So delightfully kitschy. (Look for less here; look for your little love here.). I actually have these heart-embroidered jeans that I am planning to wear or I’d probably snag that sweater from The Great!
+If you’re more of a sweatshirt girl, how cute is this heart style from Sezane or this Je T’aime motif one from Z Supply? I’m not usually much of a words or icons on my clothing gal but every now and then it’s fun to throw a surprise in there.
+The fancy cheese slicer I need.
+OK this striped coatigan for your mini me?!
+I bought Mr. Magpie a theragun mini for Christmas and he’s obsessed with it! He uses before and after using the stationary bike and before bed most nights. It comes with an app with all these different routines for you to follow – he loves them! Great gift if I don’t say so myself.
Oh how I wish vintners daughter was in my budget! But speaking of serums, I meant to chime in last week re: mad hippie. Check your local “healthy” grocery store. My stores are having 30% off vitamins and skin care (almost over by now!) so I stocked up and am now trying their super A serum in addition to vit c which I have loved for years. I also use their cream cleanser and face moisturizer (day cream and 3 c night cream). I assume Whole Foods is having this sale but know for sure Plum Market and Fresh Thyme are.