Weekend Vibes
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Weekend Vibes, Edition No. 50: The One with The Handmaid’s Tale.

By: Jen Shoop

My Latest Score: The iPhone Case.

This is actually a score from a few weeks ago, but I got so many direct messages in response to the Instastory above that I thought I’d share details below.  The case is from Etsy (under $20!) and I was pleasantly surprised by the quality.  I then added these letters, which are on SUPER sale.

You’re Sooooo Popular: The Kitchen Appliance Everyone’s Raving About.

The most popular items on Le Blog this week:

+Apparently I majorly missed the boat on this wunderproduct — had no clue about it until recently, but check out the comments here!

+This cool print, which would be a lovely addition to a gallery wall…

+Mini’s new joveralls.

+Super cute dopp kits for little boys.

+Mini’s birthday banner!

+Well-priced cashmere.

+This darling top, which just went on surrrrious sale.

+Can’t get enough of statement shirting styles like this.

+Cozy is the most overused word in the blogosphere, but this is…well, the coziest.

#Turbothot: The Handmaid’s Tale.

Have you read or watched The Handmaid’s Tale?  Mr. Magpie and I tuned into the first episode last weekend and were so distraught that we switched it off, turned to each other, and solemnly agreed not to resume watching it ever again.  The premise of the series is so dark and disgusting that it was hard to watch.  I felt like I was carrying around a weight in the pit of my stomach for the next two days.

I respect art that goes there.  And I’ve read my fair share of gut-wrenching books (I was wrecked after The God of Small Things and The Year of Magical Thinking in particular).  And I’m further aware that the cognitive dissonance we were experiencing is probably, in certain ways, healthy: we were thinking, reacting deeply, processing.  But sometimes I feel that life is too short for such worrisome imagery; there is enough unhappiness and pain in the real world.

What were your thoughts?

#Shopaholic: The Scalloped Swimsuit.

+This scalloped swimsuit looks an awful lot like something from Marysia…but at a fraction of the price.

+GUYS. Have you had chicken salt before?  Mr. Magpie and I went to see the Magician Upstairs at The Nomad Hotel (SO COOL) and they served popcorn seasoned with chicken salt and it was OUTRAGEOUS.  This is now in my cart for movie night…

+These are so pretty for spring.

+I like the heathered look of these leggings.

+A cool storage solution for toys/magazines/recycling/what have you.

+I’m DYING to try this primer.  I’ve read great reviews!

+These are now marked down to $130.  Do I need another pair of statement slides?  There are only two pairs left in my size!!! (#Bitesnails)

+So many cute party accessories here.

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14 thoughts on “Weekend Vibes, Edition No. 50: The One with The Handmaid’s Tale.

  1. I haven’t seen The Handmaid’s Tale, but doubt I will (especially now — yiiikes!) That said, I do want to read the book — both because it feels timely and because I have heard great things about Margaret Atwood’s writing.

    I am so intrigued by chicken salt! Have never heard of it … must try!

    1. Agreed – I think I have to read it at some point, especially with the comments above and my sister’s urgency on the topic…keep me posted if you do!

  2. The Handmaid’s Tale is important and beyond relevant in today’s world. I recommend reading the book. I think every woman should.

  3. We trudged through the Handmaid’s Tale, and I’m glad we did. I had a much more emotional reaction to Dear Evan Hansen (talk about GOING THERE), which we saw on Saturday night. I haven’t stopped thinking about it, and I don’t think I ever will.

    THANK YOU for finally linking that phone case! Just picked one up in black, and some Kate Spade gold letter stickers to zhush it up.

    Re: Instant Pot. I love it. I use it every day, whether it’s to make rice or lentils (Indian comfort food), a quick risotto (seriously), or to make a Daily Harvest soup taste more indulgent with the slow cooker option. We have the 3 quart size, which is perfect.

    1. Hitha! I saw your Insta about Evan Hansen and was moved vicariously. Sometimes I feel that art was put in our lives for specific reasons at specific times; this feels like one of those occasions for you.

      AHHHH MORE INSTANTPOT HYPE! Need. Now we just need to convince Mr. Magpie, who (rightfully) pointed out that we are now in a one-in-one-out protocol, meaning that a new kitchen gadget will lead to the demise of an existing one. Should I upgrade from our rice cooker?

  4. I completely understand your reaction to the Handmaid’s Tale. I watched the (full) series with my husband and there were episodes that were just too much emotionally. I definitely needed a cleanser of “dumb” tv after viewing. That said, I absolutely loved it- up there with The Wire, Mad Men, Sopranos. Elizabeth Moss is brilliant and it sparked some great conversations. On a much lighter note, I bought one of the phone cases (light blue) and love it!!!

    1. Hi! So glad you like the case — I think it’s my most commented-upon accessory. Basically all of my friends have ordered it now, too 🙂 The quality is incredible!

      And, I respect that you stuck with the Handmaid’s Tale. It feels important, timely. And I generally like cultural works that make you think — that disturb you and provoke you, even….though this one may have crossed a line for me.

      Thanks for writing to share your reaction! xoxo

  5. I read The Handmaid’s Tale last year and it was troubling. But watching the show causes me to lose sleep. I made it through 3 episodes before I had to throw in the towel and give myself permission to stop watching.

    1. Absolutely — some of the imagery is just too much. And I felt like I couldn’t breathe when they took her girl from her. Oh my God. There was something too immediate, too disturbing about it all. Ack.

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