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My Latest Snags.
I bought my son a new Reima winter/snow/ski parka this week in anticipation of next winter. I went a size up from his current size — the brand runs intentionally big so my plan is to have it be a little bit big next year and stretch into the year following. (A shoppable list of ski gear picks here; lots of details on our recent trip here. After publishing that post, a girlfriend who is an avid skiier wrote to endorse Smartwool base layers for children. She explained: “Number one rule is to invest in really good long underwear and layers — being cold is miserable and will do the most to halt their progress. Smartwool is warm, not bulky.” I added a few of their base layers for children (and adults!) to the list.)
I also did a big Amazon shop this week, and am mainly excited about this Lululemon-esque sweatshirt (under $40!) as a little treat for clipping into a good fitness regimen this week after nearly a month of inertia (and excess).
This Week’s Bestsellers.
01. TORY BURCH DRESS // 02. J. CREW SWEATER // 03. TARGET LAMP // 04. AMLACTIN FOOT REPAIR // 05. MADEWELL SNEAKERS // 06. KHAITE VIVIAN JEANS // 07. TORY BURCH TUNIC // 08. CUSTOM HOUSE NUMBER PLAQUE // 09. TARGET WAVY BOWL // 10. $8 FOUNDATION BRUSH // 11. TOWER28 MASCARA // 12. TARGET SPORTS BRA // 13. MISS MOUTH’S STAIN REMOVER SPRAY // 14. HANNI SPLASH SALVE // 15. PETITE PLUME JAMMIES (BUY NOW FOR NEXT YEAR WHILE ON SALE!)
Weekend Musing.
How are you feeling this January? I took our collective pulse on Instagram, and some of the common responses from Magpies were permutations of: “blah,” “out of wack,” “exhausted but happy to be back in routine,” “disengaged,” “frazzled.” It’s a whipsaw week, with the abrupt end of the holidays and expectations around new year’s resolutions! This time of year always feels jarring to me. A Magpie reader wrote to ask how I approach “getting back into a routine” after the high of the holiday, and I had a few thoughts — won’t you share yours, too?
First, I feel like there is so much pressure to leap into healthy habits, exercise regimens, hard-line resolutions on January 1st. Personally, in years past, I’ve found the pressure anxiety-inducing and overly unpleasant in the sense that I find myself mourning the gaiety and excess of the holidays even more intensely. Like, remember when we were clinking egg nog glasses and eating peppermint cookies?! Why am I now munching on lettuce and dreading the Peloton? It’s too dramatic of a transition for me. Instead, I view that pressure as a choice and let some air out of the balloon by —
1) Generally avoiding resolutions and instead focusing on an intention for the year.
2) Picking one thing to focus on at a time. Even though I’m not big on resolutions, I do always gear up for a good fitness month in January. It usually feels like a relief after the inertia and excess of December, and I’ve trained myself to think of it that way. But that’s it. I am not going to simultaneously try to eat differently, drink differently, journal, meditate, get out into nature, etc. It’s too much to do all the things at once. If I have a successful fitness month in January, I can layer in other changes later.
3) Aiming for moderation versus hard lines. I know that some people do best with really strong parameters — dry January, no-spend months, diets, etc — but I absolutely flail and buckle when I put hard and fast restrictions on myself, especially if I’m already focusing on clipping into a solid fitness routine. Too much pressure! Instead, I aim for moderation. I generally try to drink less, pick the healthier option, spend less time on my phone — but I don’t implement anything rigid in any category. More of a “cruise in a general direction” versus “observe the lane lines” situation. I find having a general focus on temperance/moderation a gentler and more effective way to take care of myself.
4) Going to bed earlier. Honestly, a good night of sleep is the number one predictor of whether or not I have “a good day.” I find good sleep hygiene particularly critical when transitioning back into a routine, getting over the post-holiday blahs, etc. It is so obvious but something I often overlook.
5) Trying to think of tradeoffs from a “what can I add” versus “what can I take away” perspective. Really helpful mindset shift when you’re trying to clip into a routine — for example, if you’re trying to cut back on sugar, instead of “I can’t have those cookies,” it’s “I can have this small square of fancy chocolate and my favorite tea.” Or if you’re trying to sleep more, it’s not “I can’t stay up and watch this show I want,” but “I can put on my favorite audiobook and get into my favorite pajamas and make the bedtime ritual feel really luxurious.” This might sound cheesy but I find it useful when I’m staring down a dreaded workout, or trying to cut back on something.
6) Rewarding myself for small wins. If I keep up my fitness routine, I am going to treat myself to some new fitness gear — eyeing this top and leggings set, new sports bras (love and live in these — always the first I reach for — but also want to try these Target ones you all are loving!), and this top from Lululemon.
What other strategies do you have?
One radical thought that might work for you: A Magpie wrote a few weeks ago that she intentionally “extends the holidays” by watching holiday movies, taking on holiday baking, etc beyond December and into January. Why not?
Shopping Break.
+Loving this head to toe look: wide-leg, dark-wash denim with a gorgeous cashmere rollneck!
+Drooling over this bag.
+Chic vegan leather straight-legs.
+A white tee I’m currently loving: Leset’s Margo. Really, the cut is SO fab, and the material silky but structured? Really good. I also really want to try Soldout’s white tee and the one from The Great.
+These melamine plates are in constant use in my home. I use them for breakfast/lunch and they’re also great for kids (unbreakable!) and al fresco dining. 20% off with code YOUROCK. Considering buying a few of these melamine bowls, too.
+Speaking of tabletop, I am obsessed with the West Elm x Rhode collection! These dinner plates and these salad plates!!!
+Fresh phone cases for the new year.
+The cutest socks for baby boys.
+Loving this punchy new print from Mille.