My Latest Snag: The Birkenstock Pool Slide.
I’ve mentioned this several times this week (sorry), but I am loving these inexpensive ($29! free shipping!) waterproof Birks for traipsing around Central Park and its various splash pads with mini and micro this summer, whether wearing an airy caftan or athletic gear. I had been wearing much more expensive sandals (including, often, my buttery-soft Hermes Orans) and awkwardly dancing around puddles of water or — worse — stomping right through them, putting my shoes at risk for permanent destruction. I bought the coral, which looks more like a neon pink (seen above), though I hemmed and hawed over the stark white. Very happy with this purchase. WTTW: these are made of a very lightweight foam material, so I’m skeptical of longevity, but for the needs I have right now — perfect.
You’re Sooooo Popular: A Great Basic Tee.
The most popular items on the blog this week:
+The cutest puff-sleeved t-shirt dress.
+A floaty floral at a good price.
+An elegant caped dress on serious sale. (I don’t wear enough red…)
+My favorite bra, discounted as a part of the Nordstrom annual sale!
+A chic smocked, flutter-sleeved top for summer.
+An easy-to-wear, super affordable maxi dress.
#Turbothot: Future Me.
Mr. Magpie and I often talk about our future selves. Not in some kind of identity evolution sense, but in the context of tackling things now — even itty bitty ones — that will make our “future selves” happy. For example, I noticed that Mr. Magpie will often run the dishwasher just after we’ve finished dinner and cleaned the kitchen instead of right before bed, as he used to. This way, he has time to empty the dishwasher before bed instead of first thing in the morning — as our mornings are suddenly hyper-busy and stacked with chores we need to get done before he gets out the door.
I’ve found myself in a similar frame of mind. What can I do right now that will make “future me’s” life a little easier? A little happier? And so I’ve started to pack mini’s lunch the night before so it’s one less thing to do amidst the fracas of our morning routine. And when I think micro is coming up on a feeding, I’ll pre-mix his formula bottle, arrange all my nursing necessities on the couch, and make sure things I don’t want mini or Tilly to get into while I’m less mobile are put away. I’ve ordered little things that make future me’s road a little easier: a second formula dispenser that I can permanently keep in my diaper bag so I’m not constantly shuttling one between my bedroom, the kitchen, and my diaper bag; a longer charging cable for my bedside so I don’t need to unplug my phone one-handed while nursing in order to comfortably navigate it from my bed; enough bottles so that I’m never left hand-washing one at the last minute. I’ve more closely monitored the rate of our consumption of household products so that I can add them to my Amazon Subscribe & Save account and things show up at the right time, on the right cadence, without adding to my mental load. Even things like my nightly glass of wine: I’ll often defer it so I can enjoy it alongside Mr. Magpie after the babies are down to maximize enjoyment, even though I am ready for it by 5 P.M. sharp.
It’s a funny and gracious mental framework, if you think about it: what little kindnesses can I afford myself a few hours from now? How can I be most generous to future me, who might be harried or exhausted or in need of a little pick me up?
Try it — I think your future self will thank you.
Post-Scripts: John Johns for Next Summer.
+I just stocked up on rompers/shortalls/john-johns for mini for next summer at Maisonette’s sale — bought him several pairs from Busy Bee Kids, like this one.
+Still one of my favorite books in recent memory.
+A cute tennis dress for a little one.
+Super cute crib sheets, in case you didn’t get your fill here.
+This puff-sleeved tee, in the pale blue. Love.
+Affordable sources for stationery.
+These cateye shades are at the top of my lust list at the moment.
+The quality on this site is completely hit or miss, but for $18, I think I might need this button-front (nursing friendly!) frock.
+Eyeing this bargain of a sweater (reviews!) for fall.
+Love these gingham overalls.
+Considering this saucy dolci dress for an upcoming event.