+A small bowl of cherries as an afternoon snack.
+The way mini says “ladybug”: “way-dee-bug.”
+Falling asleep to the sounds of baseball. Mr. Magpie watches virtually every single Nats game through an MLB sports package and I find the pop of the ball off the bat, the muted roar of the crowd, the monotone of the announcer deeply soothing.
+This Vornado fan. We live in an art-deco, pre-war building on Central Park West and so at the dawn of every summer, the porters lug boxy AC units into our apartment. I despise and loathe those monstrosities. They do not cool particularly well and they are insanely noisy. As a result, Mr. Magpie and I try to make do without them until we absolutely cannot bear it, instead preferring the gentle whir and surprisingly effective dynamics of this fan. (Recommended by Wirecutter; read the Amazon reviews, too. It’s a really good buy.)
+New words. Just logged and have been anxiously awaiting the opportunity to use “etiology.”
+Climbing into bed early and reading, TV off, lights low. Currently devouring this.
+Weird admission: the smell of Mr. Magpie. I don’t know what it is, but his natural musk is irresistible to me.
+The message in this incredible children’s book, gifted generously to mini by one of my in-person book clubbers (thank you, thank you!). It’s all about listening and empathy and making space for your own emotions. It’s also reminded me that sometimes the best thing I can do as a mother is just listen–not problem-solve, or cheerlead, or afford a sense of perspective. Just listen.
+Country music at the dawn of summer. I put together a long list of “chick country,” much of it borrowed from the 90s — Shania, Faith, Dixie Chicks — and it is giving me life. It reminds me of open windows and rusted jalopies on dirt raods and wheatfields, though I’ve never lived that country life.
+My new Sleeper dress. Love love LOVE. Will be wearing with my Hermes Orans and these shades all summer long.
+Mr. Magpie’s many nicknames for me, many (all?) too embarrassing to write here. But I’m rarely referred to as “Jen” in these parts.
+Wooden toys for children. Mini had a few beautiful pieces like this from German line Haba and plays with this close to daily.
+Toile anything. Currently eyeing this gorgeous little bag, this headband, these leggings and this dress for mini, these crib sheets, this dog bed (in the onyx toile), and this dress (on sale!) for me.
+A bold lip on a Saturday night. Loving this color.
+A cold, full-sugar Coke.
+Impractical footwear. (No, really, it’s my calling in life.)
+Freshly laundered and ironed bedding. (And, in between cleanings, the Laundress’ Crease Release spray. I love the smell and it does a pretty damn good job of making your bed look tidy.)
+Watching Southern Charm — the only Bravo show I tune into these days. I can’t explain why; it’s an enigma unto myself. I think it has something to do with its seeming proximity to the truth, whereas other reality TV shows feel so blatantly fabricated. I mean, the fact that Thomas Ravenel fathered multiple children with Kathryn Dennis stands as proof paramount to me that there are some aspects of truthfulness to the show.
+A good deal on a gently-used/pre-loved designer item at RealReal, like this ODLR children’s outfit.
+A steep discount on a very trendy accessory — like this Staud bag or this Cult Gaia.
+Reading your comments and emails. Truly, one of the primary privileges and joys of my life.
+The way Tilly (our airedale terrier) jumps into Mr. Magpie’s arms and rests her face on his in the evenings. He is her person. They have a special bond that occasionally makes me sniffle.
+The occasional morning where I think — “I’m just not going to rush anything.” And we break precedent and invite mini into our bed with her breakfast and let her linger in her jammies and maybe watch an episode of Sesame Street and enjoy an extra cup of coffee without bustling through the usual quotidian tasks.
+Equally — the mornings when I have everyone dressed, fed, brushed, and happy by 9 a.m., with the beds made and the dishwasher empty and the kitchen cleared of breakfast debris. It’s that middleground kind of morning that kills me, when I’m hauling ass trying to get everything done but nothing is cooperating.
+A cold glass of rose at happy hour.
What random things make you happy today?
P.S. Chasing golden moments and (an oldie!) finding slices of joy.
P.P.S. A daily check-in worth trying.
P.P.P.S. What to wear on the Fourth of July, ICYMI.