*Image via Accents of France. How chic? Lots of tennis finds here.
My Latest Snag: Sunhouse Children’s Sale Pieces.
I logged on at 9:32 A.M. on Wednesday to avail myself of Sunhouse’s just-launched 40% off sale and they had already sold out on the swimsuit I’d wanted for mini, but I bought her this pattern instead and these trunks for micro! Can’t wait. I also bought the children matching sailboat jammies (going to hang onto these and save them for our big family reunion at the beach) this week and bought mini a few cotton everyday dresses, including this lemon one, this smocked crab one, and this lighthouse print one. I also just noticed that sometimes you can get really good deals on Magnolia Baby pieces on Amazon — usually the dresses retail for around $42-$46 but I found this smocked lobster one for $30 and this adorable bubble as a sister match for about the same.
You’re Soooo Popular: Early Summer Finds.
The most popular items on Magpie this week:
RAINBOW PATTERNED MORGANITE BEADED BRACELET WITH HEART CHARMS
BOTANICAL FACE SERUM FROM VINTNER’S DAUGHTER — LOVE THIS PRODUCT
CLASSIC MODERN OJAI MIRROR IN WHITE FROM SERENA & LILY
GIRLS’ LIGHTWEIGHT COTTON FLORAL SMOCKED DRESS WITH TIE STRAPS
CREWNECK CASHMERE SWEATER FOR THE LITTLES IN CAMEL…ON SALE AT J.CREW RIGHT NOW
LEATHER FLAT SANDALS WITH PLAYFUL HOLOGRAPHIC STRAPS
GAUZY BUTTON-FRONT LONG SLEEVE BLOUSE IN PASTEL PISTACHIO
WOVEN RATTAN HANDBAG WITH VEGAN LEATHER TRIM AND SILVER HARDWARE
STRAPLESS TIE-FRONT PINK GINGHAM BIKINI TOP
SET OF TEN FROSTED PLASTIC CHEERS CUPS — A WELCOME ALTERNATIVE TO THE RED SOLO CUP
WOVEN CYLINDRICAL OUTDOOR DECORATIVE BASKET…DOESN’T HURT THAT THIS PIECE IS ON SALE TOO
SALAD FREAK COOKBOOK — FROM JESS DAMUCK, THE ”BOB ROSS OF SALADS”
QUILTED ALL-SEASON TWIN SIZE DUVET
IT COSMETICS ILLUMINATING CC CREAM WITH 50 SPF…ONE OF MY BEAUTY ESSENTIALS FOR SUMMER
Weekend Musings: Do the Little Thing.
One of you brilliant Magpies has chimed a few times in the comments section over the past few months to share a parenting mantra: “Do the little thing.” By this she meant: we do not need to deplete ourselves in pursuit of the most extensive spread, or elaborate gift, or packed schedule. Children are often content with “the little thing.” I was reminded of this several times this past week in particular. Last Saturday, we took the children on a train ride in Cabin John Park. The train runs through a forested area, but there is not much to see, and in fact, the parking lot is visible for much of it. It is fifteen minutes of staring at leaves at a moderate pace. And yet the children — especially micro, just on the eve of three years old — were thrilled by it. They were thrilled even before they saw the train by the invocation that morning: “Should we go on a family adventure?”
A few days later, on his third birthday, I noticed that micro seemed to care more about a dinosaur balloon than he did his gifts. “Balloon!!!” he screamed, when he saw the big reveal of his new scooter, with a dino balloon attached to its handlebar, waiting outside the front door. (i.e., Never mind the $115 scooter.)
On Memorial Day, we had a couple of potential activities and gatherings planned, and Mr. Magpie was anxious to tackle a couple of home and garden projects. But we were also tired from the long weekend, and the previous day had been packed with visits, parties, activities, and so we looked at each other and decided to “do the little thing.” Which meant laying low, filling up the inflatable pool for the children, ordering tacos for lunch, and listening to country music on the lawn for most of the day.
I am convinced now that “doing the little thing” is going to be a key tool for achieving the slower pace I’m after this summer. Whenever I find myself contorting around logistics, fretting over how to keep the children busy, debating whether or not to participate in an activity, straining to coordinate something, I’m going to remind myself to “do the little thing.”
Shopping Break.
+This striped sweater is under $100 and reminds me of La Ligne, and this patterned bathing suit is a dead ringer for the Tory Burch style (currently on sale!) so many of you love!
+Love this mirror — and it’s not just for kids! I saw Nan Philip has it in her chic apartment and j’adore!
+Totally swooning over this necklace.
+The kind of dress I live in all summer long.
+A great running tank. Love the pale pink color.
+This cover up is adorable – love the embroidery at the sleeve!
+This bag reminds me of Naghedi but less expensive.
+Can’t stop thinking about this FUN dress.
+These pajama-inspired shorts sets are trending this summer. Pair with chic leather slides or layer over a swimsuit.
+A perfect wedding guest shoe, currently on sale for $115.
+Easy striped linen shirtdress.
+Two products I love for my children: this mineral sunscreen spray and this flexible hold hairspray, which is the only way I keep mini’s fine hair out of her eyes and micro’s stubborn cowlick at bay.
+Mi Golondrina vibes for $110.
+Adorable $18 seersucker swimsuit for a little one.
+Chic woven tray at a great price.
+Lots of FOJ outfit ideas here, but I would also add this adorable flag hat and this bloomer set for the littles.
Love this philosophy, especially for summer! I will be keeping it in mind as well. Something about summer weather lends itself to long, slow, quasi-lazy days. The best!
OMG, I want those Ancient Greek sandals. I actually had a pair of their classic double-strap Clio sandals for a few years circa 2013, but found that they didn’t hold up as well as other similar sandals from K. Jacques or La Botte Gardiane (my favorite, which I used to source at Steven Alan … I still have 3 pairs that are going strong 7+ years later!) Still, the holographic element is so much fun.
Also v. curious about Jess Damuck’s salad cookbook! Let us know if you try it! I read her interview with Gossamer earlier this week and it made me want to buy the book … she is charming!
xx
I know, those sandals are just TOO good — too fun!!
Will report back on salads once I’ve tested!
xx
Love this and am such a firm believer in it. Watching your kiddos delight over the little things is one of the best things. We had the same Memorial Day (swapping out burgers for tacos) and it was perfect. I have a lot of friends running around all day…I like the slow life! It already goes WAY too fast with kids!
Yes!! I like the slow life, too. I aspire to figure out the right mix of social events / activities and just taking things slow.
xx
Aw, love it! I think it was me, but nevertheless I still tend to get caught up in comparing the big adventures of friends and other families and have to “check in” with my kids (and myself) frequently. I do hope I am giving them an appreciation for the ordinary delights in life. Xx
Amen to this: “I still tend to get caught up in comparing…and have to ‘check in’ with my kids and myself frequently.” YES! Mr. Magpie and I were talking about how — despite loving to get together with friends — we also crave time at home, just the four of us. We’ve already enjoyed two really slow afternoons-into-evenings running around the yard, playing cards, doing lawn games, or just sitting and chatting, and it has been food for the soul. We need that time to just hang out and let life be. It has been such a good reminder to — as you put it — “check in with ourselves” and resist the urge/guilt to “do something” every minute of the day. It is good to sit still!
xx