Musings + Essays
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Weekend Vibes, Edition No. 263: On Being Happy in Small Ways.

By: Jen Shoop

*Image via Velvet Dynasty.

My Latest Snags: Parterre Dress.

On the heels of writing a post about great everyday dresses “to live in,” I discovered Parterre’s Day Gown and had to have it in the evocative green color. Just gorgeous! (Would work while pregnant!) It comes with a sash, which is not pictured on the site, but an absolute must for me to afford some shape. I feel like I will be wearing this dress all spring and summer long and love the unique print and shape. I ended up ordering a plain pair of Vibi canvas flats and also these raffia mules and feel both will be the perfect complement to the dress while puttering around the house and chasing the children.

You’re Soooo Popular: Spring Finds.

The most popular items on Magpie this week:

bestselling spring fashion and home decor

BELTED FLORAL PRINT ONE-PIECE SWIMSUIT

BLUE AND YELLOW CHILDREN’S SUBMARINE TOY

KID’S STACKABLE TRAVEL TUMBLERS

OLAY EYE CREAM

PERSONALIZED MOUSE-EARED CHILDREN’S SHIRT

WOVEN BACKLESS LOAFERS

BLACK SHIFT DRESS WITH EYELET DETAILING

CANDY-COLORED GLASS SPOONS FROM ETSY

SMOCKED FLORAL LONG SLEEVE TOP

SET MONOGRAMMED ENCLOSURE CARDS

POLARIZED ROUND SUNGLASSES FOR THE LITTLES

HANDMADE GICLEE PRINT

GOLDEN GOOSE LOW TOP SNEAKERS

WOVEN GOLD NAGHEDI TOTE BAG

CANVAS COVERALL DRESS FROM MADEWELL

PRINTED SMOCKED SHORT SLEEVE DRESS ā€” OVER HALF-OFF RIGHT NOW!

Weekend Musings: Happy in Small Ways.

Edith Wharton wrote: “Be interested in big things and happy in small ways.” That’s it, isn’t it? Maintaining a sense of perspective and awe and curiosity when it comes to the Big Stuff, and yet finding joy in the middle, in the slenderest of details?

I’ve been unwell with a bad bug this week and Mr. Magpie has capably held down the fort in my absence. I can’t remember the last time I slept from 7 PM until 7 AM — not even with COVID, which had me pretty badly down and out — and yet I needed that rest and Mr. Magpie gave it to me. One of the mornings, I listened to him run the A.M. routine like an absolute pro, and strained to hear to the footfall and chatter of the three people I love best in the world float out the door and down the back steps to the garage, on their way to school. A few minutes later, Mr. Magpie texted me the following picture and added: “Pic taken at 8:08 a.m.” Which is shorthand for — he had them dressed, fed, brushed, and out the door well before we normally do (around 8:11, 8:12 is typical) — and he was deservedly proud of this accomplishment. But what struck me most was the fact that he’d taken the time to tie my daughter’s hair and put a bow in it, and had even brushed my son’s hair (and I normally just let him go out as he is, since he squirms and shrieks when I wield the brush). This little gesture of care made me glow with love and the joy of being cared for, and having your loved ones look after, too. Happy in small ways, yes.

P.S. I’m reminded now of an earlier essay I wrote in which I suggested that maybe happiness is not a continuous state of being but rather little gems to be found and treasured throughout the day: “These are the little moments of glee, of near-reckless happiness, glimmering sequin-like throughout the drag and pull of everyday parenting and adulting which ā€” let me be honest ā€” has felt particularly leaden-footed these past few weeks…Now that I think about it, is it possible to experience a full day of happiness? A full afternoon? Or does happiness always exist like this: in startling sips?”

Shopping Break.

+Adore the print on this Doen dress. Wow. WOW.

+Cute fitness dress in a great moody shade of blue.

+H&M with the hits!

+Beautiful espadrilles with fun laser cut details on the trim.

+A clever solution to bringing your lunch in to work/on the go.

+Brides rejoice: a perfect LWD. So, so chic! Linen!

+These Euro shams are SO chic and only $30! Reminds me of something from S&L. You could pair with their bedding and have a perfect hi-lo mix.

+Oo La Ligne sweater, on sale!

+Just bought a friend one of these footies for her new baby and was reminded how much I adore this brand for layette. My favorite ever for my children. So soft and I love the intricate trim on the neckline/wrists.

+I keep imagining a night of caipirinhas wearing this dress and these heels. Will buying them help me to manifest?

+This midi skirt (newly on sale) is just so pretty. Love the print.

+Love these stone bunnies.

+ADORE the dramatic black bow on this.

+Keep these in your closet for a slow weekend with little ones.

+Adorable summer pajamas in a cute nautical theme.

+Another great everyday dress.

+Cute and inexpensive coveralls for a little boy.

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6 thoughts on “Weekend Vibes, Edition No. 263: On Being Happy in Small Ways.

  1. Love this – especially that you note the increment of a minute or 2 – I am the same way! In this area, the commute at 8:08 a.m. might be vastly different from that at 8:11 a.m., if you ask me! šŸ˜‰

    1. Yes mam! You know it! It’s incredible how little give we have in our mornings as moms, isn’t it??

      xx

  2. Iā€™d say Mrs. Magpie taught Mr. Magpie well. Great job, dad! Love the bow! My daughter always wore a big bow in her hair too when she was little. One particular morning as we were getting ready for school, I overheard my son who was about 8 yrs old at the time advising his baby sister that she needed to have a talk with me about the bow because it looked ridiculous . Boys, brothers, ha!

    1. Haha! Hilarious! We have the inverse conversation here — “why doesn’t Hill wear a bow? he’d look better with one.” Haha.

      xx

  3. I love the photo with the bow in your daughter’s hair – all three of mine wore similar when they were small. My favorite memory was the time I came down (I was ill too) and found my husband and three daughters playing Pretty Pretty Princess. The object of the game had clearly changed and the goal was to get as many pieces of jewelry, hair clips and the crown on him. He took it like a pro šŸ™‚

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